duck – Page 3 – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

May 1st – Born to be wild, still running free, the Newtown One.

The Muscovy Pimpernel still evades capture.

March 25th – A great Good Friday ride. I slipped out at lunchtime and headed through Caldwell to Longdon, then through Rugeley, Stockwell Heath and Blithfield to a cake stop near Abbots Bromley; then over to Hoar Cross, back through the Needwood Valley and Lichfield.

It wasn’t a very warm day, and in truth, was very breezy, but the blooming spring flowers, awakening wildlife and sun-bathed scenery made this an excellent ride.

I need more of this in my life.

March 19th – A late ride out to Chasewater, feeling a bit low. Cheered, however, to see the Newtown One, the Papillon of Brownhills, was still evading the attentions of both her mistress and Brer Fox.

Go home, Mrs. Muscovy… there’s free food, other ducks and a warm roost in safety. And the drakes who chased you off are now in the freezer!

March 12th – Ah, the waterbirds of Birmingham are also getting busy. Cormorants, tufted ducks (not goldeneye as I said on Twatter), herons and Canada geese are all regrouping for the spring. Good to see the herons back, I haven’t seen many at all lately, and the prehistoric appearance of the cormorants is always a great thing to see.

March 11th – The Newtown One. Like the Scarlett Pimpernell, they seek her here, they seek her there. Always within snatching distance, but always evading the grasp.

This bird has a safe roost, free food and company back home. But she appears to prefer contemplating silently life’s complexities at the canal side.

The saga continues…

March 6th – Feeling better, I headed for the Chase for the first time in ages. It was very cold, and when I set out, the wind was against me as I rode to Chasewater.

On the way, I passed the escapee Mrs. Muscovy, the Newtown One, still defying all attempts to return her to the flock.

February 28th – A duck. On the run.

Mrs. Muscovy, we nearly caught you. So close. Your mum needs you home before Mr. Fox comes calling.

February 18th – A day off and a ride into Staffordshire on what was a bitterly cold but bright spring day. I was testing some modifications to the bike, so only took in a loop of Farewell and Fradley, and was sadly cursed by the p*nct*r* fairy, but it was a fantastic ride with some great sights.

If you’re contemplating riding the canal between Hanch and Fradley, take a mountain bike. It’s hard going.

That dog starting at the duck is my hero.

October 14th – Hadn’t seen these guys for a bit, but when I passed the overflow at Clayhanger Bridge, the three crossbreed mallards were having a conflab in the shallows. It was a bit like how I imagine a Roman bath-house to be, but with ducks.

What I particularly like about these chaps is that they’re always together, and that they always seem to be smiling.

July 4th – Fully loaded with shopping, I pottered back, becoming slower and slower as my energy dropped. I was pleased to note, however, lots of new duckling families on the canal at Brownhills. There are mallard chicks from newly hatched to a week or so old, clearly all second clutches.

This summer seems to be favouring the wildlife, which is nice to see.