April 7th – I spotted this thirsty puss on my way back to Brownhills, on the canal bank behind the building site not far from where I saw ginger last week – but closer to Silver Street than Catsill Junction this time.
Anyone who owns a dog or cat will know that no matter what water you give them, rain and pond water will always be best, and this cat took it’s fill before studiously ignoring me and heading back to the bushes.
I love to see cats drinking like this.
March 19th – I thought today that it was time to check to see if the swans were nesting yet at the Watermead in Brownhills, where they’ve previously raised several successful clutches – and I was surprised and delighted to note that the swans had already rebuilt their nest, and one was sitting.
Swans here always seem to do well, even if they do present a hazard for the canoe club who get pecked if not careful; they get fed and the locals keep an eye on them to see if they’re OK.
I shall look forward to watching another family hatch and grow on this stretch of canal over the coming months.
December 31st – I looped back into Brownhills, and took in one of my favourite night photography muses – Silver Street and the canal at night. I never get tired of this, the interaction of lights, architecture and water are always lovely.
Looking back to the flats, soon this view will change. The market place – deserted for 5 years – will be houses, and as the development towards the flats completes, life and light will return to the canal side, transforming the character once more.
Change is what I guess this journal is all about, and as ever, I welcome it, as I grudgingly welcome 2017.
Happy new year to all readers and followers. Here’s to peace, prosperity and happiness to you all, wherever you follow me from.
December 23rd – Further on, I caught Morris Miner and Silver Street in better light than had existed the day before. With the lights on the trees, and the worst of the blue LED light installed to illuminate him failing, the statue looks much better by night, and even as something of Vegas about hime.
The pickaxe still annoys me though.
I note the building works continue at Silver Court Gardens and their lights are already helping to make what can be a very desolate spot just a bit more welcoming.
December 22nd – Up very early to head to Bakewell, I kn ew I’d be worn out on my return, so I went for a spin in the early hours before I left.
Heading through a dark, pre-dawn Brownhills that was quiet and untroubled, I didn’t see a soul and felt like a somnambulant, cycling ghost.
At Silver Street, even the boats were in darkness and the waterfowl weren’t up yet. I surveyed the scene with a full day ahead and reflected on the quiet, so far unawakened would around me.
November 12th – I was busy most of the day, and slipped out after dark on errands.
I’d forgotten how good the Nikon was at night. This camera loves the dark, but you do need a gorilla pod or similar.
I know it’s a cliche, but this spot at night feels so homely to me. It’s my patch and I adore it.
November 3rd – Oh well, I guess it’s time to rediscover night photography again.
I came back to Brownhills, and realised I’d forgotten to make a call in Clayhanger, so looped around. The classic view of Silver Street and the canal is always nice at night, but I’m not sure the TZ-80 is as good in low light as the TZ-70 was, or maybe I have to tweak a few settings. I like night urban shots to be hard and crisp mostly, but I can’t quite get what I’m after with this camera yet.
It’s a shame, really; when I played with the Nikon 9900 it was a great camera for most stuff, but the lack of manual focus made it difficult for night use.
My ideal camera would have Panasonic build quality, a Sony interface and Nikon optics. I guess it’ll never happen, though…
October 14th – I’ve noticed in the last three days or so that autumn has finally arrived, painting her beautiful colours on the trees, hedgerows and landscape. I guess it’s the fact that the temperature has suddenly dropped, but now there can be no doubt we’re careering toward the shorter days, darker nights and colder weather – even though some late summer flowers are still remarkably holding on.
Holding on like I do.
Every year, I get to this point and wonder if I can face another season of darkness – the absence of light and growth and leaves I hate so much. But every year, as if jumping into a cold lake, once I stop struggling and fighting it, the dreaded experience becomes quite enjoyable.
There’s no stopping it now, in any case.
ISeptember 22nd – It was a pleasant but slightly chilly evening as I slipped out for a test circuit of Brownhills after a little bike maintenance. I’d forgotten my camera when I went to work, and was still without it, so I gave the phone lens a polish and had a go.
Cameras on phones haven’t half come on in the past few years.
May 18th – On the way home, I checked out the Watermead swan family, still with 9 healthy cygnets, enjoying the sun near the canal overflow opposite Silver Street.
They all seem in good health, and the parents are very attentive. I think they’re too large now to be of interest to the local herons, but I hope mum and dad are vigilant for brer fox.
We usually lose one or two – let’s hope we don’t this year. Such a fine family.
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