nothing to do with this forum, but . .

[STYRBJORN]

I can't find an appropriate forum in here, but this seems the least inapposite.
There was a post recently in the Birds forum from a guy who was taking a narrow-boat holiday on the Broads; he asked about possible sightings. Great idea, great holiday, I hope he had a great break. BUT! it left me wondering. I have not seen any comment here about boating holidays in general. The Soar Navigation connects the Grand Union Canal in Leicester with the Trent River in Nottingham. In the course of some 20 miles, 13 species of indigenous British dragonflies have breeding sites. Until you have stood at the tiller of a narrow and looked at the carline and seen 5 different dragonflies and 3 different damsels on the top, and an Imperator coming in to land you ain't lived. Then you glance at the waterside and spot the water-vole breeding colony. You just get interested in that when the Blue Kingfisher strikes just off your port bow. Then a little perch comes up to the surface and tail-walks grabbing midges out of the air. As he flops back, you realise he's just made it 'cos an otter is out for a take-away - his missis and kids want their dinner. Oh, by the way, what's that wee black bird swimming through the reeds there? Moorhen? Not with those legs. Is it a coot or is it your tern?

Then as night closes in, the big cob swan who has made his nest on the towpath makes his opinion very clear so you moor up at the next PUB and go inside to watch the local feral wildlife.

Worth a try peeps.

Ric

[eenymac]

I've had two holidays on the water. One many years ago along the Grand Union from Rugby into and around Northampton, and a few years ago for a long weekend on the river Wey in Surrey. I'd rate both as perhaps the best holidays I have had!
As you say, the water is a great place for watching the wildlife, much of it not seen from the banks or other places. I'd love to have a canoe - indian open type - for a bit of paddling on some of the canal and river stretches around the country, but living in a flat I have nowhere to store it. Still, I'm always drawn to the waters for the abundant wildlife around my usual haunts - Tring Reservoirs and the Grand Union canal where, with a bit of patience plenty can be seen.
Not really considered the Norfolk Broads before but might have to look into it.