The swans in Newnham have made their nest in a new place this year - right in the middle of the stream and I think it's a good move. Previous nests have been vulnerable, the male seems to have wandered off and eggs have been abandoned. The male was very diligent this afternoon and I nearly had a heart attack at it crept up on us while I was taking a photo and made it very clear that we (well I'm guessing Monty) weren't welcome. Fair enough.
I spotted a limping mallard further up river and had the wry thought that this was the proverbial lame duck I had come across - promptly felt guilty when it was struggling a bit in the water.
Term has started with avengeance - there are gowns fluttering all over town and colleges are closed for the exam season. Meanwhile - great news in our house - I've hoovered the kitchen ;0)
Three GT:
1. Diligent fathers (more in Extras)
2. Spring - little ducklings all over and such gorgeous colours.
3. Family close - it's the third anniversary of the loss of one of Adam's school friends, I don't think the pain has diminished for his parents.
@yzzilp Yes they are devils - they've moved the biggest culprit to another river. Mind you quite a few cygnets are killed by rowers so they have a point.
I find the whole duckling, cygnet thing traumatic and am sure @happypat will agree!! Rather hatch them myself and keep the little balls of fluff safe and snug! He looks like a sensible and responsible dad so fingers crossed
My this is a rare close up of a swan family....amazing view point & I think daddy is just coming for you! We have the same two swans coming to nest on a pond right by the side of the A586 at St Michaels. Every year she is on the same nest with dad hovering. She can be seen by every car & lorry that goes past but every year she rears her family.
It would only take a few yobs to destroy all but fingers crossed up to now.....very traumatic for all watching! @lucypics indeed a very worrying time. I agree I would hatch them in the incubated if possible & give them back when they get bigger.
I know a man that does hoovering!
Beautiful capture. It is terrible news that someone has hacked off the heads of swans in Milton Keynes. I think it is more likely to be humans than other animals. I hope they catch whoever has done it
Beautiful composition with the diligent father in the foreground and the caring mother in the back. Congratulations for making the theme vote again! You already got my vote :). Looking forward to lots and lots of duckling shots ;).
I remember that tragedy - can't believe it's already been three years. My heart goes out to the family.
It would only take a few yobs to destroy all but fingers crossed up to now.....very traumatic for all watching! @lucypics indeed a very worrying time. I agree I would hatch them in the incubated if possible & give them back when they get bigger.
I know a man that does hoovering!
I remember that tragedy - can't believe it's already been three years. My heart goes out to the family.