Sorry for the brief hiatus in posting, hoping to return to normal shortly when work calms down a bit. In the meantime, bike rides have been reminding me that even in Autumn, there’s a whole wealth of wonderful wildlife, just fighting to get your attention.

This splendid chap was fishing on the canal just opposite Bentley Bridge cemetery, in the shadow of the M6, 10:06am, Wednesday 30th September 2009

Pale tussock moth caterpillar in the road at Hoar Cross, 2:54pm, Sunday 27th September 2009

This bizarre moth larva is something I’d not seen before – found crawling in the road (I spotted it even at speed due to it’s vivid, Day-Glo colour) I helped it to the safety of the verge. Apparently they’re common in October, and the moth they transform into isn’t nearly as splendid. I love the way it’s camouflaged as a fallen fruit or leaf, complete with brown bristle ‘stalk’ – a wonderful autumnal find.