Moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus )

Moorhens are our constant companions on the canals.  There appears to be at least one always in sight as we travel along.  They aren't as happy to be near people as the ducks but they never move far away.  This one was swimming alongside the boat as we passed it.

Our day was slowed considerably by another boater.  Normally when another boat catches you up you pull over and let them pass.  This gentleman clearly hadn't caught on to the idea.  Soon we were caught up by another narrowboat.   The three of us continued in a very slow convoy all the way to Fradley Junction.  Clickychick got off the boat and went to open the swing bridge for the single hander on the first boat, only to find he was mooring, he had "had enough".  So had we!  His slow progress meant we had to push on longer than we had intended, as we had to be within striking distance of the Marina to be back in time for "pump out" and the other maintenance jobs which we need to do.