May 13th – I checked out the swans again today. When I passed by at about 2pm, neither bird was on the nest. Had predators had the eggs? Had Mrs. Swan decided they were barren and not to hatch? I’d been really looking forward to seeing the young hatchlings and it seemed all was lost – the pair were loafing in a garden don the canal bank. What could have gone wrong?
May 12th – I shot around Stonnall, Shenstone, Little Hay, Canwell, Hints and Hopwas. I had the sun on my back and speed in my wheels. The countryside was beautiful, with the most vibrant greens and yellows. Birdsong was all around, and I really had the sense of nature going about it’s seasonal business. The canal between Hopwas and Hademore was limpid and placid, and the return through Lichfield was equally lovely. Can there be anywhere finer than South Stafforshire on a sunny late spring day?
May 12th – I took great ride out through South Staffordshire, but it started by checking out the swans on the canal at the back of Sadler Road in Brownhills. I was concerned to see both birds off the nest, and feeding from bread left by walkers nearby. `it was a warm day, but having seen Mrs. Swan fretting over her clutch of eggs the evening before, I felt sure this was bad…. I went on my way with a somewhat heavy heart.
May 11th – Sunset was beautiful today. As I cycled my usual route to Chasewater along the canal – essential to check on progress of the swans, I stopped in awe to check out the sunset on the water. After so many grim days lately, it was a pleasure to explience a beautiful, light sunny evening. But it was bitterly cold. At Chasewater itself, I noted that the secondary culvert was now totally submerged, and the water levels were still rising well. I watched the sun set for a while over the western shore, but was so cold, I headed home earlier than I had intended. It’s summer, Jim, but not as we know it.
May 11th – At least I know now that Mrs. Swan has eggs. When I took a look tonight, the nest site behind Sadler Road, Brownhills, still had no hatchlings, but mum was standing on the edge of her nest turning the olive-couloured eggs in a gentle, determined fashion. I hope they’re OK. I didn’t know they did this, but having spoken to a seasoned birder since, it seems this is perfectly normal. Here’s hoping for little ones soon…
May 10th – Later on, back in Walsall thanks to the Sultan’s Magic Carpet that is London Midland, I cycled up Church Hill and over into Chuckery. St. Matthews was looking fine in the evening light, but the top of the market looks shabby and unloved. I still can’t get used to the architectural insensitivity of the Asda shed built nearby. A complete contrast to the fine building I passed on the corner of Bernard Street and Sutton Road. It’s one of those I’ve been passing on and off for years, but never really stopped to study. What a remarkable building, of which I know absolutely nothing. Do any readers have any information? I just love the ‘tower’…
May 10th – Yesterday was hard. I had to go to Telford, then attend a meeting in Birmingham, before returning to Walsall for another event. I got home late, tired and hungry. In Birmingham at 6pm, I enjoyed a spin around the city, and made time to call at my favourite coffee shop, The Urban Coffee Co., in Church Street. I love the place, despite it being a tad prone to be full of hipsters. I noticed when travelling around the evening city, these old red K6 phone boxes beside the Council House. I wonder why they remain, and why the curious spacing? I also noticed in Colmore Row that pavement cleaning is a serious business these days. I bet that guy goes home with wet legs…
May 9th – It was still summer when I came home – but it was a typical English summer, in that it was raining. But it was a soft rain, the kind of gentle, warm rain you get when the air is still. A vague haze sat over the countryside, and everything smelt of growth and pollen. I actually enjoyed being out in this, it was refreshing and sweet. The roads were quiet and I enjoyed gliding through the wet, glistening, growing countryside.
In Shenstone, St. Johns Hill was back to being the green canopied tunnel it normally becomes in high summer, and at the Footherley Brook, I understood just how far things had come in a few weeks.
May 9th – This morning was lovely. Not as nice as the day before, but warm and still. There’s definitely a change in the air, maybe a little summer is creeping in at last. On my way to Shenstone, I noticed how Lynn Lane had taken on the colours of foliage and growth. I love this time of year.
May 8th – I guess we’re coming on to summer now, although the temperature and general changeability of the weather doesn’t suggest it. Emboldened by the rain, Jockey Meadows, at Walsall Wood, and the surrounding countryside is beginning to look really fresh, clean and green. I’ve always adored the cinematic landscape here. Similarly, overlooking the new pond at Clayhanger, where a whole range of deciduous trees give a spread of greens.
Sadly, tomorrow the rain looks set to return. Come on sun, please!
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