Wildlife on the Calder

Registered Company No 2612775

One of the things that I love about canoeing is being able to get away from the humdrum and annoying aspects of daily life. Even on the Calder it seems like you are miles away from traffic and the hustle of the rat race, though in reality it’s just the perspective of being low down and sheltered by the banks and walls. All the rest of human life operates at a different level and thankfully passes you by.

It is a different world, and nature flourishes in the greenery of the banks away from the dust and noise of main roads. Next time you paddle up the Calder from the road bridge have a look out for some of the other creatures that enjoy the Club’s home waters.

Kingfishers are common on this stretch and are beautiful birds. They often fly in pairs and if you are on your own, or at the front of a group, they will fly along in front of you flitting from one hiding place to the next. You can’t miss them – they are like turquoise jewels skimming above the surface.

You are also likely to see herons as there is a nesting colony a bit further up the Calder, and a favourite spot for them is on the weir above the Puzzle Hall Inn. With their white grey and black plumage they are well camouflaged if you look at them from water level (or beneath if you are a fish). I saw one last weekend standing perfectly still at the base of the weir. Another common bird is the wagtail – easily spotted because, yes you guessed it, they have long tails that wag all the time.

Last autumn I was with a small group of paddlers near the footbridge in the dusk, when we were visited by a swarm of swallows. The may have been 20 but it seems a lot more as they swooped and did acrobatics for us in total silence, and completely unbothered by us being there. I was mesmerised by their performance for a good 10 minutes and then they were gone as quick as they came.

Just one of many magical moments that I owe to canoeing. Perhaps you have magical moments you would like to share?