Here is a selection of photos of swans and cygnets from a variety of locations and times. Both pairs of local swans are doing well with their six cygnets each, and they have been going about exploring, feeding and preening. I was recently concerned when I couldn’t see any signs of the swan family anywhere on the pond, then I noticed they were out of the water and looking into the field at the side of the path. The grass is always greener on the other side of a fence!
In the next set of photos the parent is having a wash and a preen and then one of the cygnets copies.
Some cygnets go for a ride in their parents’ backs, although I’ve not seen this this year. This photo was taken on the pond a few years ago.
It has just been lovely watching all the cygnets grow bigger and bolder. In the photo below they are in danger of sliding down a weir. Mum appears to be shouting a warning.
I love the high pitched “meep meep” calls that the cygnets give to each other. Here are a few more cute cygnet pictures.
Finally a picture that shows that swans can sometimes be a bit intimidating. This swan is after some tasty snack hidden in the lady’s bag? It needs reminding of the 2 metre rule!
Sarah's Wildlife Watch 