A Trip Along The Basinstoke Canal
I live very close to the Basingstoke Canal and go along it several times a week. Last week I went for a quick cycle ride with my camera on a bird hunt :o)
I must have become over familiar with the canal as I was quite surprised at the different types of bird I saw when I was paying attention.
I wasn’t surprised to see a pair of blackbirds on my way to the canal.
The male with worms in his mouth
And the female forraging in a ditch.
Neither was it a shock to see several ducks cruising the water.
Mallard ducks
I had to cycle a bit further before seeing moorhens, who were so very determined to steer clear of me and stick to the far side of the canal, but I hadn’t expected to see a great tit too.
Moorhen with a great tit on the bank above
For some reason, I had completely forgotten that I might see swans. I don’t know why as on a cycle ride last year we had to do a u-turn thanks to an angry young swan blocking the tow path.
A much happier swan
I also hadn’t expected to get a photo of a jay. Well, a jay’s tail anyway.
Glimpse of a jay
Next time I’ll hopefully get to photograph a heron. I see them quite often but always as they take off. They pirch, silent fishermen, in the tall grass on the banks and jump into flight when I get too near. I think I’ve only ever seen one stood on the bank.
Is there a heron in here?
And that is just the ones I managed to photo on my trip. Once I was paying attention there seemed to be countless birds darting across my path or into the undergrowth; too fast to see, let alone photograph. And so many calls from unseen birds in the trees!
All this on my doorstep – it’s amazing what’s there to see if you take the time to look!
19 May, 2010
Comments
Aye Peter anad nearly always when you dont have your camera to hand.There was a small stream near where I worked and stopped for lunch when a few minutes later a Dipper landed opposite me just a few feet away.
Its 2 chicks emerged from the bank to be fed something I ll probably never see again and of course wasnt expecting to , so no camera but will never forget it.
What a beautiful place to exercise,well in between all the stopping and starting :) You did well to capture so many birds,they may get used to seeing you pass by.
Wonderful pictures you have captured, yes lots of wild life lives along the canals, I live right next to one, so I go to relax
Thanks Sixpence. If I head one way I get to the main town but the other way just passes small villages; if I head away from town it can be miles before seeing anyone. Very relaxing :o)
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Bird watching with friends since
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Bird watching with friends since
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Bird watching with friends since
19 May, 2010
What a beautiful cycle trail Peter.Agree it is amazing what we can spot when we take the time to do so.Hope you manage to spot...and photograph...a heron one day !