Photo-a-Day  (Thursday, 27th August, 2015)

Great image of the Heron, and good to see it in Wigan. But what is disturbing is the Himalayan Balsam - a pernicious, invading weed which out-competes native riverside vegetation.

A really good photo.

Well snapped, Colin. You've taken it at the right moment.

Very good Colin, an exceptional photo, how close did you manage to get to the heron?

That's a lovely photo..almost looks like its been painted in delicate
watercolour tints..very nice.
JJ,I agree with you..its everywhere but it seems to get away with it by looking pretty..the trouble is its
ability to shoot its seed pods 22ft away and is literally taking over the countryside and the birds natural habitat.

Hi Duncan, I Was Approx 50ft To 60ft Away From The Heron.I Was Stood On The Pavement Just Under The Railway Bridge Going Into Wigan On Pottery Rd, Just Zoomed in To It..Took A Few Pics,.. But This Was Probably The Best One. I Also See A Mink With A Fish In Its Mouth But Was Not Quick Enough To Get A Pic Of It.! Thank-you All For You're Nice Comments..!

Great photo. I think H/Balsam is also called Japanese Knot Weed, it really is taking over. Suppose we have the Victorians to thank for introducing it to our shores.

Hello Henry..if you google Japanese knotweed then click onto images,you'll see the difference.

Colin, it really is one of the best photos for a long time.

Lovely shot Colin.

Maureen, there is a very short video of H/Balsam scattering seeds here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impatiens

Thank you Neil..have just watched it..it really is fascinating how certain species of plants are determined to survive.

Love it. It has got a touch of the impressionists about it, like Monet.

Nice one Colin...

It really is heartwarming to know that there is fish in ''the duggy'' below the bleachworks. In my day the section below bleachworks was, I believe practically an open sewer. Oh and parts of it stank as well. A well done to all who perseveres in keeping it clean today.