I can't see any current thread that would fit my question so I started this one.
I have seen baby swans riding on their mother's back. Does anyone know how they get onto her back after they hatch? I assume they hatch on land
Thanks
Formerly known as Barbara Jean
Tiger : I dont think I have seen a swan with 9 cygnets before. One of the pairs that nest in Barnwell Country Park had 7 one year.
Swan siesta:
Swantastic!
Aaaaaahh!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Sadly it looks as if we will not be having any cygnets on Hampstead Heath this year. The nest I was talking about got flooded over the weekend and although the eggs may still be there it is felt that they got chilled too badly. We await and see.
The other swan's nest will not have any cygnets as it got swept away. Nor will our favourite coot as its nest got destroyed in spite of valiant attempts by the male to build it.
Life can be hard for a bird.
Tiger Signature
So sad! But life is that hard for many vulnerable people too - just look at Louisiana, and multiply all that for poorer societies.
This picture was taken today at Barnwell Country Park. Shortly before this picture was taken we watched the female laying an egg.
Peaceful scene, Alan. If you go there regularly, perhaps you could try to get a pic of the cygnets this year for us?
Lindybird : I will definately try to get a pic of the cygnets. Incubation seems to be about 5 weeks so they are due middle of June. In the meantime here are some Mallard ducklings taken today:
Good afternoon Alan and thanks for pics of the baby Mallards and the one of the swan. Just gorgous.
Margobird
Gorgeous pix of swans and ducklings - swans look so serene.