There is a proliferation of beautiful water birds just in the section adjoining my home. I've also realised that if the birds are spooked they run towards the water so you must be prepared for their sudden dash.

I had the unfortunate incident where one got spooked by something behind where I was riding and it ran straight into the rear wheel. The noise that bird made was truly spine tingling... anyone remember Birds (the movie) ?

Luckily there wasn't significant damage to the bird - it was able to fly and walk after being momentarily dazed.

I've skipped that bike trail since and stuck to the road...