Hi all ๐ Feel free to join in this weekly challenge whenever you find yourself thinking, “I’m a fan ofโฆ” (see below for how-to).
This weeks Fan Of… is a wee picnic lunch at Callendar Park. This is also my post for Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat & John’s Cellpic Sunday challenges
Although we passed trhough Callendar Park at one point last year, it’s nearly 2 years since we specifically went there. The weather was good, although cold in the morning ๐ฅถ, so we made up a wee picnic and headed to Falkirk on our bikes.
As ususal we headed straight for the canal & passed this herd of sheep, still sleepy & getting ready for the day (the sheep, not us ๐).




As expected, the air was still down by the canal & ideal for getting some more shots for my Water Water Everywhere challenge.





We passed a field of geese (there were hundreds), they were just awake & already making themselves heard across the valley.
On the way into the park, we passed this huge blossom tree in bloom.
…and once in the park there were plenty of daffodils all over.






We headed over to a bench next to quite an ornate one; this bit’s for Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat challenge.
The bench was by the pond & we were able to enjoy the views in relative peace & quiet. Last time we were here was later in the year & there were a lot more waterfowl. There was still a mixture of swans, ducks, coots & moorhens that we could see, & of course the odd one or two gulls on posts.








This coot deciede to come & keep us company over lunch.




After lunch, we passed this duck that decided to show off with a slow pirouette in front of us.






We stopped in front of Callendar House to get a few shots, & I tried a couple with Lensy. They weren’t quite as I wanted them as there was too much reflection off my cycling jacket in Lensy; we’ll have to go back for another go on a slightly less bright day.




And so the cycle home began, passing more ducks & swans on the way.






We’d stopped for some juice at one point & Susan indicated that I should look behind me, and there was this guy ๐ These shots were taken with my iPhone SE & are my entry for John’s Cellpic Sunday. He was heading straight for me, but as I turned round, so did he. Although he came to see me, his Mum & Dad didn’t like how close I was and so went into full parent swan mode with arched wings & much shouting ๐ Susan cycled a bit further down the path ๐
…that was until I got Snappy out & they calmed right down & even allowed me to get closer!!!






How To Join In
- Create a Fan Ofโฆ Photo Post.
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Hae a guid week ๐
Amazing post, sweetie! It was a great day out, one I can’t wait to do again, even if that wee swan was at it! ๐คฃ
A lovely narrative to your photos
Thank you so much ๐
What a fantastic day you had. I like the design of that tulip bench, very unusual.
Thank you ๐
You really took me on a ride!
Here is mine: https://picturesimperfectblog.wordpress.com/2022/04/04/im-a-fan-of-camouflage/
Thanks, Elke ๐
Beautiful images and a great story… I know those swans can be very protective. One of the gardens we visited had signs everywhere saying ‘Don’t approach the male swan, he’s just become a dad and very protective’.
Here is my contribution… https://brashley.photography/2022/04/04/fan-of-150-old/
Thanks, Bren ๐ I’m glad I have a decent zoom lens at times ๐
Now that was some ride and I am pooped. So many great scenes and photos. I wonder if the young swan would have given you a pinch on the bum if you didn’t turn around…..he did look suspicious to me ๐
I still can’t believe I got in trouble for his curiosity ๐คฃ
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Such a beautiful post Jez! The water scenes with the reflections, the swans and the daffodils are beautiful.
Thank you so much, Aletta ๐