Reddish Vale, Monday, 13.10.2025.

 Not been down the vale for a while, so on Monday decided it was time to go again. On my walk round took my secateurs to trim back the weeds that aways try to come out onto the path, which can be dangerous if at eye level.

Looks like the volunteers have been busy again with this nice planter.

Some nice Gadwalls on the lower mill pond.

The swan family are doing well and the four youngsters are nearly and big as their parents. 

When will I get a yellow beak like you Mum?.

When you are a bit older, then it will be time for you to fly the nest and find your own place!.

Only one cormorant on the day

Tufted Duck with an itch.

Nice floral arrangement again on the lower mill pond.

On the way home it was a mini fish and chips at my local Morrison's,

if that's a mini what's a full size one like!, a bit over facing for me. 

Back home the sparrows are eating me out of house and home.

My berries are looking good, the Blackbirds love them in the winter

.................................

....................................

Monday, 18.11.2024.

Today it was off down to the Vale again, though it was quite cold I was well wrapped up, just wish I'd put my boots on as it was quite muddy under foot and my shoes haven't got much tread on them so I was slipping and sliding in some places after the overnight rain.

At least the rain kept off, if anything it was more likely to snow, news says that's due tonight.

I was lucky enough to catch the Shovelers today, well it was a Male one, didn't notice any females., perhaps he was calling a female.

A gadwall.

There were quite a lot of Goosanders, mostly females though.

Getting hard to notice the Robins amongst the autumn colours .  

Nicely kept bench, always have a rest here, with a carrier bag to sit on.

Group of tufted ducks

Squirrels sharing my apple today, a slice each!.

Crow with peanut.

This crow with white markings is a Leucitic Crow, hope I've spelt that right!.  

Someone's been busy, made and put up these new feeding stations round the park

One of the signs round the park.

So another nice but cold trip down the Vale, so lucky to have this place so close to home!.

So off to  Morrison's for my mini fish and Chips, its just enough for me, think they have a new supplier for the chips, very nice too.

 Back home my plants are all doing well, ie my Mother-in- laws tongue has flowered first time I've ever had that happen!, not very impressive though.

This pot I put together about 7 years ago is getting a bit overgrown now, will have to replant it, how you might ask?, Carefully is my answer to that one!!.
 Watering them, only when you remember to!.

So another nice day if your wrapped up that is!!.

................................................

..........................

Monday, 10.6.2024.

Monday I went down Reddish Vale, it was dry but I wasn't too warm, wished I hadn't taken the inner padded lining out of my Camo coat!.

This young Canadian goose running up to greet me? or is it just the bag of food I'm carrying?.

Yes it was the food!, with the info centre closed now there's no food for the birds, The Lady Sarah selling it now but only here on Friday and some weekends.

A male Mandarin not changed colour yet.

This one well on the way to looking like a female but still got his bright beak.

Plenty of babies about, these coots on the top mill pond.

A mallard with it's mum.

Watched this coot struggling to break this big twig off a bush, must be after some brownie points off his mate.

This proud Mandarin mum watching over her brood.

I was told that they have Creche's like the Canadian geese

Feeding off my boot.

Counted nine in all.

Beaky the pigeon with a twisted beak that rides round the lake on my hand couldn't wait whilst I fed the other birds and helped itself!.

Got to be a squirrel somewhere.

So then it was off to Morrisons for lunch.

Came home and finished another jigsaw.

Tuesday me and the gang went to Vernon Park café again, it was better this time as it wasn't too full of kids off school.

I had a nice bacon and egg barm and ordered a bowl of chips for the middle of the table so we could all try them as our friend Chris the singer had recommended them and he wasn't wrong, we all enjoyed them and will be having them again I'm sure. 

....................................................

........................................................