Swan update

Picture taken 28 June 2009

See how they've grown.

Visited the swans and their babies today. They are doing really well.

And here they are!

Four little cygnets hatched one day this week.  Here they are on Friday with proud and very protective mum and dad.  I had to use the zoom on the camera as mum seemed not to like me. She hissed very loudly at me so I kept well back. 

A new family

In February of last year I posted the news that I had installed some nesting boxes in my garden. They remained vacant last year but the latest news is that one is now home to a family of bluetits. I don't know how many there are but I have seen either mum or dad popping in and out many times. Today I was quite nearby when it happened and it had a caterpillar in its beak and I could hear the chirping of chicks in the box.

I don't think the other one has been taken yet. Maybe next year.

Ne'er cast a clout till May be out

Well May be out but it is still not warm enough to be casting clouts!

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/till-may-is-out.html

The splash of tiny webbed feet

The swans I posted about on the ice earlier in the year have been patiently sitting on their nest since early April. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks they will become proud parents. As they were on the lake last summer with no young I am presuming this will be their first brood.

Signs of spring