Water fowl

The restored section of the Cromford Canal (around 5 miles between Cromford and Ambergate) is designated as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. We didn't spot any voles, but, as we walked, we certainly enjoyed watching the water birds; including Moorhen and Mallard chicks, the odd Coot, and a number of Little Grebes (which were entertaining us beautifully with their underwater antics).

This particular Mallard and his mate were both settled comfortably on the wall as we approached. Unfortunately, a passing cyclist was just a little too near for the liking of the female and she took to the water. The male was somewhat braver, allowing us to creep quite close before he followed suit.

We were also curious about the number of air bubble streams rising up out of the thick water weed. Oxygenating plants perhaps? Or was something else lurking down there in the dense greenery? We never did find out.

Waterfowl great and small

Lots of piccies of water fowl today. Some are mine and some were taken by a friend.

This female Mallard was enjoying a paddle along the top of the weir, no doubt looking for anything tasty.

My feeble 3.2x optical zoom was no where near good enough to capture a photo of this Great Crested Grebe. Besides, every time I pointed my camera at him, he upended and resurfaced across the other side of the Pool. He was leading me a merry dance and probably enjoying every second of it!! Thank you LC; 10x zoom and he posed!

This coot was much more obliging, paddling right up to the bank for me to snap. Though I do suspect he was more interested in discovering whether or not we might have anything food-like about our persons. I love the way he swam through the pool of sunlight, sparkling off the water.

We couldn't decide whether this Canada Goose was after food or just wanted to chase us away. He was certainly hissing a bit; though he did pipe down when we hissed back.

And finally...

(Another one from LC)

The Swans were majestic, gliding across the water.