July 1st – Also on the canal, near Bentley Mill Way, flowering rushes in abundance. Of course, they’re not real rushes, but they are delightful flowers. A real joy to see them.
Tag: Walsall
July 1st – The Pleck swans were cool in the heat this morning, although dad didn’t seem to be around. The youngsters are growing at a rate now.
Dem feet tho. That doesn’t look comfortable, but it must be. Always amused by it.
June 23rd – It was so lovely, I headed back along the canal too on my way home, riding along it to Coalpool and then onto the cycleway to Pelsall. Along the way the waterways sparkled, the skies were blue and a family of swans I’d not seen before, plus five healthy cygnets, promenaded past.
I was particularly taken with the thicket of wild sweetness on the cycleway at Harden.
Summer was made for splendid commutes like this.
June 23rd – A lovely commute, and at last, on a warm, sunny, almost wind-free day. And I was cheered as a rode along the canal in Pleck to see the Canal and River Trust rubbish collection boat operating. The chaps on board had long poles and grabbers and were hauling debris out of the reeds, off the embankments and from the water.
It wasn’t until I got closer that I realised from their Hi-Vis that the lads doing the graft were volunteers. Well done to them, and thanks. True public spirit right there.
June 18th – One sunny morning ride to work along the canal; a short stretch through Bentley Bridge and it’s teeming with wildlife.
The white water lilies are out, competing with themore profuse yellows. The Pleck swan family – now down to two cygnets from four initially, are clearly doing fine. And always, the ever present heron.
We’re so lucky to have all this on the doorstep.
June 17th – I cycled past the coos of Jockey Meadows at half six. It was clearly knocking off time. It had been raining and everywhere was grey and dismal. But something about these gentle, inquisitive beasts always cheers me up.
Here’s to the coos.
June 15th – The warmer days seem to be here at last, and out on the streets come the cats. These fair-weather flaneurs of the urban streets roll, stroll, preen and posture, but mainly just laze around languidly waiting for something interesting.
I saw this chap in the backstreets of Walsall. There’s an admirable air of relaxation and smugness there. Impressive.
June 15th – Here’s something that’s got me wondering: the Pleck swan family are back to their nest. These are the group I saw, who after hatching their eggs in the disused canal arm found themselves being intimidated by the heron. Next day, they’d gone. I never saw them again, but heard they’d scooted off to Moxley, a few miles up the canal.
Well, this morning, they were back: I was alerted by the dad patrolling the open water outside the arm, while mum was nest rebuilding with at least two little ones. When I last saw them, I counted four cygnets; if they’ve lost two, that’s sad, but no so bad.
I have no idea what they’re doing back at the nest and invite comments. Good to see them getting on, though.
June 9th – Further up the canal at Bentley Bridge, another yellow wonder of the season: the water lilies are just coming out. These yellow ones are first, then later come the pink-wihite variety.
These seem good for bugs, and add an interesting shock of colour to the waterways. Seeing them is always the sign of an advancing season.
June 9th – So many great wildflowers at the moment, but the one I always adore is birds foot trefoil, or egg and bacon. Here growing at the canalside in Pleck, such a beautiful, bright yellow on a dull morning.
A joy to the heart.
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