Not many #riverflies in Sapiston River/Black Bourn below #Ixworth, though I did meet this Banded Demoiselle nymph.
There were a few colonies of Sessilida ciliates and some freshwater sponges (Spongillida) - lilac & green specimens right next to each other on the riverbed. #rivers #chalkstreams 6/10

Threespine Sticklebacks also abundant in Sapiston River/Black Bourn down from #Ixworth, most of the males in fine breeding colours. However a few are suffering horrific infestation by the highly contagious microsporidian parasite, Glugea anomala that gathers in white cysts on the body. #Fish 4/10

Our Day 7 #AdventCalendar is the door to St Mary's church at Ixworth Suffolk, a very special calendar creation by @drhelenforte.bsky.social .

#choirs #ixworth #Church

With air 20°C on a warm spring day, the water of the River Sapiston/Black Bourn at Ixworth was a pleasant 14.5.
Some of it is quite manky with algae and silt, but there are also patches of clean sands and flinty gravels where the water runs faster. #Ixworth #SundayMorning
9/9

Good to see plenty Freshwater Shrimps (Gammarus pulex) in River Sapiston/Black Bourn #Ixworth, not good seeing #invasivealien Signal Crayfish.
Lake Sponge (Spongilla lacustris) under rocks & bridge.
On my last 2 swims have seen live Cellar Slugs (Limacus sp) in rivers. Why?
6/9

During #MySwim in the River Sapiston aka Black Bourn #chalkstream at Ixworth, didn't expect to find this apparent WW11 Sten Submachine Gun, guarded by a Bullhead. Have salvaged; if anyone'd like it, I've no need of it. #Chalkstreams, the gift that keeps on giving. #Ixworth🧵1/9