May 23rd – On my way home, I rode past the JCB plant at Rochester. The huge factory has a landscaped park in front of it containing large lakes fed by the river Churnet. On one, I was lucky enough to spot the two resident black swans, who are noted for their presence here.

Australian imports, these birds are uncommon and very grumpy that I wanted to photograph them. I love the white stripe on their bills.

A lovely thing to see.