I prepared my camera with a zoom lens and went for a walk with the intent of doing some nature photography. There were hardly any wildlife creatures about, and only brown birds that were easily disguised on the naked tree branches, swans, and some squirrels. On my 10 km walk, I only encountered two joggers as it seems as if no one else had a cold wintry walk on their agenda except me.
One of the joggers was a man about 20 years my senior. I stepped aside to give way as the path was muddy, and I thought it was the courteous thing to do.
Breathlessly he said, "thank you, and I'll be turning right back around."
"No worries" I replied.
He stopped to catch his breath and we both smiled at each other and he said, "and now I have to go all the way back."
I replied, "I know it's not easy, but I admire what you do." He resumed running, and I carried on walking.
Looking at the glistening sun rays on the water was quite deceiving, and it made the day feel more promising.
Still, as the sun disappeared it was cold as f*ck.
The squirrels looked mischievous as usual, but they were too fast for my freezing fingers, and I was treading carefully along the muddy paths in my wellies to maintain my balance through the treacherous muck.
I watched this lone swan gliding peacefully and gracefully down the canals. He came right towards me along the path.
I didn't have any food, only my camera in my hand, so I just admired it as petting a swan is not a good option.
I used my judgment to see how friendly and approachable he was, but all I could feel was nervy aggression and he seemed unimpressed by my presence.
In the blink of an eye, the elegant-looking creature made a big powerful jump onto the towpath and I heard a loud stomp and a hiss when it landed, just a few inches from my boots.
My eyes were fixed on the swan's massive feet.
I froze for a second.
From my vantage point, it looked like a dinosaur.
Feeling uncomfortable, I calmly stepped away.
The swan's demeanour was territorial, and I watched him nibble on the grassy towpath. I left the swan to it, and I carried on walking.
I do find waterbirds in particular very fascinating. I love watching them paddle and also their takeoff and landing; something that can be sudden, and quite intimidating if in very close proximity.
Still, for the next few minutes, I kept pondering what if dinosaurs still existed? How different would my walk have been?
Evolution, as believed ... Thank goodness for feathers I thought!
The weather was taking a turn and I could feel the rain coming.
I spotted a small familiar boat in the middle of the canal. I could see the owner who I've spoken to a few times, having challenges while doing a spin of his boat to change direction.
Laughing, he remarked;
"You were just a minute late, to catch a nice picture of me stuck in the shallow side of the canal."
Boats getting stuck in stilt-grass and shrubbery is something that happens often, as the manmade design of the UK canals are relatively shallow.
Shorter narrowboats have a certain charm, and one of the advantages of living on one this size, is that they're easy to maneuver.
Traffic is basically non-existent, and it's just the regular boaters who go up and down the canal to empty waste, refill water tanks, and to top up on supplies.
He was making his way closer to the city, as he had an early morning appointment. However, we took a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of our surroundings and lifestyle despite all challenges that boating life brings.
The joys of winter on a narrowboat and life on the English canals is an indescribable pleasure that I wish everyone could experience.
Thank you for reading my blog, please feel free to share your knowledge of birds, dinosaurs, nature, or whatever ticks your fancy :)
All photos were taken with my Olympus camera
Daily Travel Digest #1410.
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Tranquil scenery along the canal, one can but imagine it is mucky with mud going into winter, also looks brisk!
Swan is such a graceful big bird, came to greet then changed it's mind to eat instead, have a wonderful weekend.
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Thank you very much 😄
The swan's elegance changed so quickly. It was nice to see it up close and personal though, and I'll make sure to take some food next time.
There are not many persons about, so I guess they miss having boaters feed them.
Have a lovely weekend too:)
Best feeding for ducks and swans is lettuce, uncooked peas, sweetcorn and raw grains or cooked rice left over from meals, something my Dad taught us when young taking in an orphan/injured Muscovy duck.
Soon you will have them enjoy what they cannot find on the banks of the canals.
Ah, I would never have thought about the rice. That could be an easy option for me. I really appreciate that. I'll cook rice specially for them😁
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Great walk boss and lovely photography as well
Thank you very much:)
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You might already know this, so apologies if you do. Years ago, there was a 'ban the bread' campaign by local Councils. They said it was bad for swans, ducks, etc and that it caused Angel Wing and encouraged rats into the parks, so everybody stopped.
I always get a bit sceptical when a new policy comes out, so I carried on feeding them bread. I just didn't believe it. Bird and animal sanctuaries have now said it's not harmful to them, so please carry on feeding them bread. If they eat other things as well, it's absolutely fine. Unfortunately, some people still believe it. Also, with less people about in winter, the birds don't get fed as much. I expect that's why the swan got out of the water. If there's not enough food about they are good grass grazes. You were just in the wrong place lol.
You are right!
I used to see Dutch people feed their swans bread, so I thought that was the thing to do. Then I came UK and heard the same as you, that bread was no good for the swans. Knowing that I wasn't gonna spend my personal money to buy food for the "Queens Pets" I stopped feeding the swans completely. Came back to live on the boat and boaters told me it's fine to give them bread.
Swans don't like stale bread though (picky scroungers).
When I heard the stomp and saw the body language of the swan I really felt like I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and made sure to get away at the right time. 🤣
Yes, pick the mould off first. Trust me, I've never met a cuddly swan yet lol. Keep your distance. 🙂
Ah yes,no mould for sure. They hate even if the bread goes a bit hard. I thought of you holding the cygnet when I felt his aggression 🤣
Well I had help. Don't get any ideas. 😁
Haha! Oh no! I don't play hero; especially not with wildlife (on my own) 🤣😁
I've always thought swans were elegant creatures, but not to be trusted. I've only seen them in parks. A neighbor of ours kept a few ducks, when I was a child. I thought they were pretty, but they sure do leave a mess behind them. I'm not sure I'd want all that poo in my yard.
Oh yes, very elegant indeed! Don't be fooled though. They are aggressive creatures, so best to keep your distance.
They do get to know people and develop a trust in them over time, as I've been told by persons who live by the canals.
That heavy unexpected jump from that swan took me by surprise; I'd never expose myself to one like that intentionally. Luckily I got away fast, as they're strong.
Swan families are known to have feuds along the canals, and you have to try to keep the families separate 😁
Swan feuds! Now that's something I've never read about before!
Haha! It's hard to imagine it, but I do see it happen:)
Strange little creatures they are!