Return of the Swans
It's hard to believe we hadn't seen our local swans since July. We didn't play much tennis in the heat of August, so our tradition of walking over to the pond afterward lapsed. On the couple of occasions we did visit, the swans were absent. Also, the other birds didn't think much of our replacing the bread we usually fed them with peas, after being told that bread was actually bad for ducks to eat.
On Saturday, we made our long overdue return, this time trying corn instead of peas, which seemed to go over well with all three species of bird (duck, goose, and swan). The swan family's number has unfortunately dwindled, from four offspring when we first saw them, to three in June, to two now. Of the two remaining youngsters, one is grey and almost full-grown, while the other is white and slightly smaller. Both are just starting to show the black markings on their faces. They also are still making the high-pitched "cheeping" noise they made as little cygnets, while the adults sound only the occasional hiss (at other birds) or snort.
It was a gorgeous day, and the water was so clear you could see the swans' feet paddling along. It's fun to watch them swim over from across the pond once we get their attention, as if they recognize us, but I realize they just recognize any activity on the bank as an opportunity to get fed.
On Saturday, we made our long overdue return, this time trying corn instead of peas, which seemed to go over well with all three species of bird (duck, goose, and swan). The swan family's number has unfortunately dwindled, from four offspring when we first saw them, to three in June, to two now. Of the two remaining youngsters, one is grey and almost full-grown, while the other is white and slightly smaller. Both are just starting to show the black markings on their faces. They also are still making the high-pitched "cheeping" noise they made as little cygnets, while the adults sound only the occasional hiss (at other birds) or snort.
It was a gorgeous day, and the water was so clear you could see the swans' feet paddling along. It's fun to watch them swim over from across the pond once we get their attention, as if they recognize us, but I realize they just recognize any activity on the bank as an opportunity to get fed.