October 14th – I finished work early and headed back to Brownhills to make an appointment, and at Walsall Wood, hit the canal. Passing the rear of Lindon Drive on my way to the Pier Street bridge, I noticed this splendid marmalade fellow watching me from the opposite bank.
He didn’t look very pleased to see me, but what a gorgeous colour, and what a fine puss!
August 6th – Today’s ride was, oddly, mostly observed by cats. Dozing cats. Strolling cats. Stalking cats. Cats taking the air, the afternoon off or the initiative. From Brownhills to Croxall and back, it was all about the felines.
I saw all these fine examples on the same rife, and more I didn’t manage to photograph. No idea what drew them all out this afternoon, but I hope it happens again.
June 21st – On the way to work, a short drama. In Biirchills, just near the flats, two familiars square off. There is not outright hostility; but much ground-standing and unwavering stance. This was clearly a pair of old adversaries, neither giving ground, butt with a kind of mutual respect.
Sadly, someone appeared and they both scarpered before I could take a close up of the black cat, but they were both lovely; particularly the stocky, older looking ginger cat who seemed like he was half teddy-bear.
I get the feeling this show plays itself out several times a week.
May 23 – At Catshill Junction on the way back, a small, domestic thriller: a young, very ginger cat was watching a pair of unconcerned mallards, maybe thinking of plum sauce.
Of course, I broke the spell, and butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. What a lovely stripy fellow!
May 18th – I spotted him sat on the decking on the canal bank by Barrow Close, Walsall Wood. The marmalade cat’s attention was so fixed, I couldn’t possibly distract him.
I hope he caught whatever it was. Not seen this chap before – that looks like a fine stripes tail there!
March 28th – Another type of life entirely, and one for the cat lovers out there. I don’t know who he is, but this large, affectionate and charming ginger lad was sat on a canalside fence near Pelsall Road. He said hello, let me fuss him, and tried to lick the camera.
A gorgeous cat whom I sure someone loves lots. I certainly fell for him!
October 16th – I’ve come to the conclusion there’s another swan family moved down here, probably from Aldridge. Nipping back into Walsall Wood on an errand, I spotted five cygnets and mum; they don’t seem as advanced in development as the Catshill brood, which are really quite white now, and these seem cheekier, and more unruly.
Looking for food along the embankment at the back of Barrow Close, they were watched by a distinctly unamused bystander, a large, grumpy-looking marmalade cat.
There’s a story there, I’m sure.
February 9th – I’d seen the little dog at Waitrose before – tethered to the trolley rail, he waits patiently and forlornly for his master. He’s a gorgeous little dog, but he does look so very sad. I could have taken him home.
The cat, on the other hand, clearly found me nothing more that a curiosity. Sat on a shed roof in Wall, he was surveying the comings and goings in the road below, and seemed a bit peeved that I’d spotted him. I think we met a couple of weeks before in the churchyard. He’s a lovely friendly boy.
There’s more than a hint of the Cheshire cat about the marmalade fellow, I think…
March 19th – I was cycling back along the canal for a change. Spring must be in the air, as cats have started to be more noticeable of late. Indolent indoor wallahs in the winter, you see lots more about as the season changes.
I spotted this fine marmalade chap drinking water from the canal at Catshill Junction, appropriately enough. Cats seem to prefer natural water to the stuff from the tap, and this must be a sign the canal is clean.
The elegant, nonchalant balance and casually draped tail are wonderful.
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