Nine swan eggs were incubated from the end of March, with Madam sitting on the nest daily, keeping the eggs warm and safe. Meanwhile Sir was either paddling about keeping geese away or bobbing on the water by the nest, keeping Madam company. If any geese dared to come down to the bottom half of the pond they got chased away pronto!
Monday 4 May: Eight cygnets had hatched by 9.00am, a glorious welcome to a warm and sunny morning on the pond. What a sight: eight startled fluffy grey young, all fidgeting beneath mum, with dad looking on bemusedly. We will follow their progress with keen interest over the coming months.
Other water-birds: There are broods of young coots, moorhen chicks & numerous Mallard ducklings. Both cootlings and ducklings spend their days paddling about with their respective parents nearby for protection. There are 5 Coot nests at various sites as well as a Little Grebe nest close to the coot and swan nests by the causeway.