November 1st – As I rode back along the canal, I did notice these jolly and beautifully carved pumpkins on the fishing peg of a canalised garden.
I bet they looked good then lit last night.
Someone worked hard on them – well done!
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October 2nd – I was recovering after the hospital appointment, but fresh air called and I took a spin out in the afternoon, enjoying the sun for a circuit of Brownhills, Walsall Wood, Pelsall and Clayhanger.
Slow and leisurely, I wanted to see if I was up to riding. Thankfull I felt no ill effects.
At Clayhanger Bridge I met the Watermead family, all now large birds, having a communal preen by the canalside. They tolerated me, and only went for my ankles a couple of times.
Beautiful, adorable birds.
To my surprise, Mr. Miyagi the turtle was basking too, but slid back in the water before I had my camera. Didn’t expect to see him out so late, but always nice to see.
The fresh air improved my mood and it was nice to find my riding wasn’t impeded.
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September 15th – Passing Binary Wharf in Walsall Wood I always smile at the plank of wood from a French window cill over the gap to the towpath retaining wall through the railings. I must confess, it took me a few weeks to work out it’s purpose, and I’ve been meaning to feature it for years but it’s hard to photograph without looking like you’re invading privacy of the tenants.
I’m 99% sure the plank affords a cat access to the happy hunting ground of the canal without the inconvenience of a huge jump. Possibly, just possibly, the handsome black and white puss I spotted in a business yard over the road.
I love stuff like this: Small accommodations for animals to go about their daily lives.
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September 15th – On the way to Screwfix in Walsall Wood on another busy day of domestic jobs, this frank but welcome warning on the underside of Walsall Wood bridge.
I bet that’s claimed a few cyclist foreheads in it’s time. It is rather low.
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August 27th – The local cygnets are doing well, and are now the size of their parents.
I’m fascinated how they have their own personalities. This one is always dawdling being it’s family group, diving enthusiastically for green treats at the bottom of the canal.
So enthusiastic, it’s often wearing a wreath of reeds around it’s neck.
Ah well, no time for finesse when it comes to the grub…
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August 22nd – I got just two photos today, before the camera I’d absent-mindedly not charged for days went flat. Both were of this splendid heron, totally aware of me but studiously ignoring my presence, at least while breakfast was in prospect.
As herons often do, it pondered in the striking pose for some time: Alert, taut, ready. Then, either it’s prey swan away, or it just decided not to bother. The bird visibly relaxed, remembered I was there, cast me a contemptuous glance and flew off.
I know of few birds as oddly human in their habits as Herons are.
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August 18th – After a dry few weeks it’s great to see the deer at Anglesey Basin, near Chasewater.
I’m sure I’ve seen this pair of ladies – either close pals or mum and daughter – many times before. The younger one is inquisitive and not easily spooked, whereas the older one seems a bit eccentric, is quite vocal and can be nervous.
I watched them for a while loafing in the meadow, amused at their green chins from the lush meadow they’d been browsing.
Such lovely faces and they look in very good condition considering how scruffy they looked during the moult a couple of months ago. They will be regrouping back into herd groups in coming weeks in preparation for the rut.
Welcome back, ladies.
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August 13th – On the way back, it was still sunny and having got through my appointment quickly, I had time to dawdle on my way back. I’m glad I did, as near Bently Bridge on the Walsall Canal, I met another family of happy, content mallards being charming.
They weren’t bothered about me, and mama was happy to mind her loose group of developing ducklings from a relative distance as they dozed and chattered to each other in the sun.
Such a delightful little family. Just wthe kind of thing you need after a stressful task.
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August 13th – Spotted at lunchtime on an excursion from work to the hospital, a heron loafing on a wall in one of the most urban, industrial bits of Walsall: Pleck.
I adore herons for their impressive fishing ability, their shabby, almost mad appearance and their raw, appreciable character and individuality. They are endlessly entertaining to watch.
This large adult bird was preening, being slow, methodical, and thorough. It paid me scant attention as it picked at whatever underwing irritation was troubling it, but for all the world it looked like it was searching for a misplaced wallet or pair of glasses.
A welcome distraction on a lovely day.
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August 10th – I’d not been well overnight, and ventured out in the afternoon for a gentle bimble. On the canalside near the Pier Street Bridge, I came across mama mallard and her second brood, still doing well, snuggled together in the grass.
Their patient tolerance and perceptible pride made a welcome change from the constant haranguing of the cCanada Geese and swans when trying to get photos.
A lovely little family that cheered me no end.
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