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Enter a key word to search for posts:Swans, ducks and all that quack
Posted on: Sunday December 18, 2016 at: 8:15 pm
Even at this time of year, there is a surprising amount of wildlife about. The score to date (in the last couple of weeks that we have been on the move) is 1 heron, 2 kingfishers, robins, red wings, field fare, tits (all sorts), 1 wild shopping trolley, wagtails (grey and pied), ducks (several sorts), moorhens, chaffinches and swans galore.
Today we had the company of a kingfisher for a good five minutes – like all river birds, it kept moving ahead and settling, then moving again when we got close. Having travelled maybe 1/2 mile along the canal bank, it eventually flew off at a tangent and disappeared. We got some really good, close-up views though.
Ducks tend to just ignore you and ride out the wash. Swans tend to come up to you to see if they can blag any goodies. Moorhens, on the other hand, are very timid. You see them on the tow-path side of the canal and can almost read their thoughts:
“Oh no, oh no, something’s coming, something BIG. Quick, quick get back to my nest hiding place – oh no the big thing is cutting me off. Jump in the water and paddle – fast – FASTER. I am not going to make it. Oh dear what should I do – I know fly. Not enough time to take off – must paddle as well – run on the water, faster. I think I’ll make it, yes I AM going to make it. At last – quick hide in the undergrowth.”
At which point they disappear under the vegetation. It’s really funny to watch and they all do it every time!
We can’t quite believe the weather we have been having. Some winter sunshine and no ice (yet). It does get cold on the helm when you are stood there for a while and even at 3.5mph, the breeze chills your face. Fortunately, a quick walk along the tow-path and a few locks warm you up. As we were mooring up tonight, we were greeted by a beautiful sunset. Hopefully a good sign for tomorrow.
Sunset from the top deck
GREAT TO SEE SUCH A VARIETY OF WILDLIFE ANY WITH FOUR LEGS THAT CANT FLY?I WAS THINKING OF BATS THERE. HOPE YOU STAY LUCKY WITH THE WEATHER XXXXX