It's that time of the year......
I've been seeing the new swan family on the pond from a distance for the past couple weeks but today is the first time they came a'callin with cygnets in tow - leaving their nest a few hundred yards away in the marsh grass, the mom and dad led them on an explore-the-world trip. Their little swan feet were paddling furiously to keep up with the grown-ups and to remain under the protective umbrella of mom's reach.
Although daddy swan was a little tentative and very watchful of me, they all came in fairly close, and since I presented a calm demeanor and remained stationary, they did not spook and paddle away.
This is an unusual sight - I don't often see both parents' heads underwater at the same time when out and about with the cygnets. Usually one of the pair keeps an eye out for danger.
Last week there were six cygnets - today only five remain - one has fallen prey to something or other. If past years are any indication, only one or two will survive to adulthood.
I don't feed the swans and especially wouldn't when they have babies in tow. ( It is not good to teach the cygnets to trust and depend on humans for food - never a good idea.) So, with a final sidelong glance from daddy swan, off they go for better pickings of native pond food elsewhere.
The cygnets are beautiful. As are their parents.
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