Looking at the Thurston Street Canal on Sunday afternoon, June 18, 2023.
Albany’s Thurston Street Canal, if you can call it a canal, appears on this site from time to time. That’s because, well, I like it.
Last month I complained that the little ditch had no water in it. Albany Public Works looked into this and found that someone had inadvertently closed a valve on the Eighth Avenue Canal. That’s the valve that normally feeds the minimal flow on Thurston Street.
On Sunday, aimlessly riding around the east side of old Albany on my bike, I was glad to see that there was water in what a city sign calls “Thurston Creek.”
Not only was there water, but there was enough water for a couple of ducks to paddle around in the stream.
Is this noteworthy? Not in the larger scheme of things, obviously, especially on Fathers Day.
But for the most part this is a website about things I see, often things I notice from the bike. So this is what I saw on Sunday, and here’s a closer look at these two ducks in their snug little ditch.
This looks like a little nature reserve, right at the edge of Albany’s Hackleman Historic District.
I said I like this canal. Why? Because it’s a potential asset in an old neighborhood where this kind of natural amenity would not come amiss.
I realize that there’s an outside chance you’re tired of me banging on about the Thurston Street Canal. If so, too bad. This is not likely to be the last time this neglected part of the Albany landscape is featured on this site. (hh)
Never apologize! It’s a sign of weakness according to Trump.
That’s actually a quote from John Wayne in “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon”.
A little bit of nature in an urban setting is a good thing. As human beings we seem so far removed from nature itself. It’s good to have a reminder. I hope more folks get out and take a bike ride or just a walk and listen to the birds and see things in bloom. I saw a fox run across my front yard this morning and a bluebird family at my feeder. These things bring me great joy in this troubled world. Keep reporting good things and good news when and where you can find it.
This was very interesting so please keep reporting on things around Albany, I find it very interesting.
Love the pic of the ducks – and if not for you they would not be there! Good work!
The beautiful intimacy of a pair of ducks in a cozy little ditch is a rare sight these days. What a joy it is to witness such a display of affection without the need to advert our eyes. We can leisurely soak in it’s innocence as if it were a couple walking holding hands in the park. Also rare sight these days! A reminder of gentler times never gets tiring. Thank you.
I like reading your articles. It’s your page to say and do what you want with it. If people don’t like it then they need not read it just move on. Never apologize unless needed. In this case none needed.
I wonder if they identify as Humans?
Love your findings & stories. Albany is full of wonderful sights, animals & people. You bring great stories of nature, people, businesses & whatever else is happening in Albany.They are informing stories that the elderly wouldn”t otherwise know because we cant always get out. So thank you & keep up the great reporting!