May 14th – At Bentley Bridge, a proud new family – mum and dad and five cute goslings.
The parents hissed at me to be careful, but were tolerant as I greeted and watched the brood they were clearly very proud of. The goslings just acted like I wasn’t there.
A delightful encounter on an urban, industrial Black Country canal bank, and one of the reasons this place is so dear to me.
May 3rd – Nearby, in Pleck, a sight curiously not seen often, which is odd considering the proliferation of Canada geese: A nest being sat by a parent. Interestingly, unlike a swan nest, I could see no obvious partner nearby.
The sitter seemed comfortable, but the nest was much smaller than that of a swan.
It’s be interesting to see when the new arrivals make an appearance. I’d guess they’ll be hatching soon.
May 2nd – A dreadful, rain-sodden and intemperate morning commute – possibly my worst ever set me up for a lousy day. But things got better, slowly, and when I returned, the sun came out.
Coming back on the canal, heading to Brownhills I noticed that a WalsalL Wood resident near the canalside have had a resident take possession of part of their garden, who will hopefully soon have a little family.
What a wonderful thing to have in your garden – perhaps not so much if you plan on getting out there, though…
My only concern is that nest is awfully vulnerable to beer fox…
April 30th – Yes, spring continues although the expected weather has still failed to turn up for the gig.
Spotted in Pleck, Walsall, near the Scarborough Road bridge, a momma Mallard proudly marshalls her new ducklings away from the inquisitive human and to apparent safety.
First hatchlings I’ve seen this year. Always a joy to the heart.
March 30th – A day of rest, with a journey up to Tesco in the late afternoon. The rain seems to be settled upon us for the weekend, which is a bit of a blow, but the forecast clearly isn’t as bad as many had predicted with a return to snow and ice.
I guess I should stop moaning, really; at this time in 2013 there was still lying snow around and it was very cold. And we are more prone to white eEasters than white Christmases in this country. But it feels like I’m missing out.
In Brownhills, the waterfowl didn’t seem to mind. One swan partner of the nesting pair just up around the bend was idling, and came over, hoping for food, and was grumpy when none was forthcoming. The Canada geese, however, were just loafing, and paid me little heed. We stood for a while together, just listening to the rain on the water.
There had better be a decent summer after this…
November 23rd – It was a bitterly cold morning – or at least, it seemed like one after the unseasonal warmth of recent weeks. Cycling down to Darlaston on the canal, I was accosted by some familiar hoodlums.
This is the only family group of this year’s swans I think are sill together, most having joined larger local flocks. They looked in rude health though, and gave no answer when I asked if they were cold.
They soon lost interest when they realised I had no food…
June 5th – I saw what I assume are the Watermead swan family on the canal mid afternoon; sadly they seem to have lost a cygnet – most likely to a fox now they’re growing so large. It’s sad, but natural – the fox has to feed too, and it’s why swans have such large clutches.
The remainder look healthy and are feeding well, and are growing at an alarming rate.
Let’s hope mum and dad select safe roosting sites at night from now on.
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