June 24th – When I left for work on a decent but grey Monday, I took to the canal with a heavy heart.
It wasn’t long though before something cheered me up – the Walsall Wood swan family, chirruping to each other as they begged for treats in Walsall Wood.
Such a cheerful, delightful family, always under the watchful eye of mum and dad.
This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here.
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/2FA5JbC
via IFTTT
April 2nd – Since it’s spring, I note that the aggressively begging Canada geese are back on the canal near Clayhanger Bridge. Although they’d both clearly been grazing the freshly mown grass on the towpath, they were both hungry and refused to let me pass until I gave them a treat.
Curiously, this seems to be their permanent state, no matter how much food they have…
Fortunately, I’ve been anticipating their reappearance and had some seed in my pocket ready for these shameless muggers.
I’m glad to see some traditions holding steady.
This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.
from Tumblr https://ift.tt/2Ve31OP
via IFTTT
April 12th – A horrid, wet commute home on a surprisingly cold day was lightened somewhat by the antics of a familiar pair of avian muggers on the towpath near Clayhanger.
I assume the same pair every year take residence on this stretch of canal, and noisily accost anyone passing for tidbits or sheer goosey devilment – honking, head-bobbing and if sufficiently irritated, pecking.
I carry a small bag of seed to distract them while I make good my escape, but I love them really.
There’s not much kindness in your average goose…
December 7th – I don’t remember Brownhills having the waterfowl when I was a kid that we have now – swans, mallards, coots, canada geese and more all dwell on the canals, pools and waterways, often aggressively hassling walkers for food.
I love these comical birds and their antics. Today at Chasewater, with the boating lake still dry,the residents were crowding the southern shore around the castle, jonesing for scraps and seed – so greedy, they didn’t even mind the presence of a dog.
Down by the watermead, an aggressive beggar blocked my right of way and pecked my tires.
I think they’re wonderful…
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 