Outwardly, the riverside in winter looks the picture of calmness, apart from the occasional fishing dinghy motoring along. Serene mute swans glide by the icy quays, through the quaintly layered bridge of beautifully appointed stone, brick and more incongruous metal girders; up river to wilder, wooded reaches.
Regular feeding of birds by visitors, particularly during spring and summer, have made them quite tame and dependent on us. Although it is in the harsher winter months, when human interaction is scarcer, that wildlife really need sustenance.
Fruit, vegetables like peas and salad are very appetising for both water and garden birds and make a healthy alternative to stodgy and starchy bread. Alternatively, natural grain can be purchased at various outlets around the riverside quarter of Hoveton.
A fallen apple, leftover from a large old tree provided a hearty breakfast for a blackbird. The bird carefully carved out the base of the apple, leaving the core and making an artistic bowl of sorts.
Chris
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