Wolves Wild

There were at least three different types of tiny fungus growing out of this tree stump.

In winter, most of the colours of nature tend to be muted. A reminder of of the stronger shades which could be seen only a couple of months ago: a red admiral suns itself as it fed on an ivy flower in the middle of October.

Dudley castle, with Rowley Beacon peeking through behind, seen from a high viewpoint in the Wrens Nest Nature Reserve.

Burgeoning growth on the branches of one of the bushes separating the barley field from the railway walk in the Smestow Valley LNR.

Several different types of lichen as well as the feathery-looking moss. I think the cup-like structures on the yellow-green lichen may be to do with reproduction.

Once again the ghost of Tettenhall ridge is visible through the mist.

A heavy frost on the grass around the medieval packhorse bridge just outside Hampton in Arden.

A view looking down at the river Blythe from the bridge.

This pool is just yards away from the bridge, and was frozen when pictured.

The nearby railway bridge over the river: views with the packhorse bridge (above) and from the packhorse bridge (below).

Views of Tettenhall ridge from the barley field in the Smestow Valley LNR.

This was the view when I turned my back on the flock of geese which was featured a few days ago.

At this time of year, even a wood of evergreen trees looks bare.