Five Mute swans a-strolling

Experts advise that it has been a degree warmer this year than is usual. This has been especially noticeable in the early evenings and has taken me on many a late leisurely walk. On one such occasion a swan family danced delightfully across my path. The cob, his mate the pen and their inquisitive three cygnets. It is easy to forget that swans are both wild and strong especially when they are attending young. A cob can quite easily break someone’s arm if it feels threatened. So, even though it is tempting to stand near and reach out to touch it is best to stand back and leave the family to go about its business while discretely observing. Always remember to wait until they venture back into the water before being tempted to give them a few portions of bread. The bread must be wet, softened by the water so it will not cause harm when ingested by this beautiful bird.

 

    

Mute Swan family – the pen, cob and three cygnets taking a stroll on the banks of a nearby lake … a beautiful sight!