September 3rd – Shooting through Weeford on my return, expecting the rain to start again, I noticed these mushrooms growing on a verge. They were huge, and their presence reminded me that now we’re coming on Autumn, watching out for the fungus could be productive.
Wondering in the rosy earthstars and orange peel fungus will be back on Clayhanger Common this year?
August 19th – The rains of the day had brought out the damp-loving creatures, though sadly I didn’t see any amphibians (although in my tired state I probably just didn’t notice them). These snails comfortably beat me travelling up Brownhills High Street on my mission to call in at the takeaway for a curry.
Snails get a very bad press really, but they are such fascinating things.
June 30th – As we approach what is a very damp midsummer, the flowers and greenery are beautiful this year, even if the weather isn’t. Although the early flush of blossom and spring colour has now passed, there are now more gentle delights if you look carefully.
The thistles are just emerging now, in several forms and the self-heal has been in bloom for a week or two now, with it’s tiny, but beautifully coloured flower heads. Also remarkable and spotted today near the cycleway at Goscote, this wonderful orchid.
Purple definitely seems to be the colour of the moment.
July 7th – Another desperately dull day, with not many photo opportunities. Sadly, I took a bunch of photos on the way home, and messed the settings up, so the only ones I have to show are the from the cycleway in Goscote again this morning.
I note we’re in for a fruitful year; not only are the apples plentiful, but cherries seem to be having a fine time, and haws look to be good, too; if the blossom is anything to go by I think we’re in for a bumper crop of black and elder berries too.
I love the dog roses, smelling wonderful in the post-rain humid air, and the cornflowers look superb too, in their thistle like glory.
Some much great stuff going on in the hedgerows – and all on one short stretch of path in Goscote.
March 30th – The delightful spring day evaporated late afternoon, and the wind and rain drove me home.
Oh my days, it was grim. To quote @thestymaster, ‘Wetter than an otter’s pocket.’
Some days, you just count getting home at all as a victory.
July 31t – I had something to go to in the evening, and returned late. I returned after dark, and it was beautiful, as late summer nights tend to be; it had rained briefly in the afternoon and the damp had drawn out the frogs, toads and gastropods in huge numbers.
This delightful pair were within six inches of each other on the grass by the canal at Silver Street.
Some people find these creatures of the night slimy and unpleasant; I think they’re beautiful, in their own way.
May 1st – I had thought I was alone on the pub terrace. However, an ominous crunch made me look down… and the patio was actually busy with slugs and snails, presumably energised by the damp after the previously dry days.
I picked up the bike and carefully stepped around them. I always feel pangs of guilt when I hear that crunch. I have a soft spot for these fascinating, bizarre creatures. Hate to kill them.
October 25th – Sunrise near Fighting Cocks, on Catersfield Lane in Stonnall. It was the dry, clear morning after the wet night before; the roads were wet, treacherous and greasy, yet to smell the fresh air, moist earth and autumn on the air was a joy to the heart. This is what riding a bike is all about…
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 