Fri 2011-12-02 
On foliage near a fungus-covered log: a small black fly, probably a male Opetia nigra (Diptera: Opetiidae). O.nigra is the only UK species in the family Opetiidae, which was recently split off from the Platypezidae.
The Opetia wing-vein pattern differs from those of the Platypezidae (see here, here, here, here and here).
Photos taken in the Wilderness, Whiteknights park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-11-30.
Thu 2011-12-01 
A radiated tortoise, Astrochelys radiata (= Geochelone radiata).
Photo taken in London Zoo on 2008-03-15.
Wed 2011-11-30 
From two years ago: a rather over-exposed photo of a Subclytia rotundiventris (Diptera: Tachindae). I include this imperfect photo because it nicely shows the shape and colour of the head. Here is a somewhat better photo of the back:
Some more photos of this fly can be found here.
Photos taken in Whiteknights park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-06-04.
Tue 2011-11-29 
The sporangia of a white slime mould growing on a decaying log. The pale brown growths in the lower half of the picture are probably a fungus.
Photo taken in the Wilderness, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2011-11-17.
Mon 2011-11-28 
From three years ago: a young Canada goose (Branta canadensis).
Photo taken by my daughter Zoe in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-05-31.
