Backlit heron

Backlit heron

The same heron which featured yesterday. When it moved to another vantage point it was partially backlit – the sun had actually come out that day.

Bracket on a fallen tree

Bracket on a fallen tree

Unidentified, elderly bracket fungus on a fallen tree. By turning the trunk slightly, it was possible to see both the lower and upper surfaces of the bracket.

Bracket on a fallen tree

Heron on the lookout

Heron on the lookout

Heron fishing in the canal in the shadow of the Oxley prefab houses.

Heron on the lookout

Its plumes dangle prominently as the breeding season appoaches.

Heron on the lookout

Cellar cup fungi

Waxy cup

Another cup-shaped fungus. This one takes its name from one of the places it is most often found.

Waxy cup

Another of its preferred habitats is growing on sandbags. I noticed these over a garden wall.

Waxy cup

I couldn’t get to touch these, but the species name and the common German name both describe them as waxy.

Ice flowers

Ice flowers

Ice which had taken on shapes rather like flower petals at a damp patch in Perton woods recently.

Ice flowers

Tufted ducks: Perton

Tufted duck: Perton

A pair of tufted ducks on the main pool at Perton. The male with the distinctive tuft at the back of the head.

Tufted duck: Perton

The female’s plumage is less striking, which is quite common among bird species.

Hazel catkins, Northycote

Hazel catkins, Northycote

Yellow hazel catkins from a bush in the hedge at Northycote Farm, outlined against one of the rare recent blue skies.

Oak leaf buds

Oak leaf buds

Oak leaf buds looked like they were just about to open. These were on one of the trees in the wood at Northycote Farm Country Park.

Ear fungus, Northycote

Ear fungus, Northycote

Crinkly ear fungus is one of the few things which grows even in the middle of winter. These were on dead wood in the hedge at Northycote Farm.