Swans Through the Seasons

Update at 1:00pm, following their arrival
Sub Title:4 New Cygnets Settling In

The three cygnets are still with "the youngsters" Tristan and Isolde. Our 4th new cygnet is over with Precious, Marlika and their son Junior.

While I was watching Precious, something interesting happened: Precious, Marlika, Junior and the little Ambleside cygnet were having a good preen at the end of the lagoon near the underpass to the park; the new cygnet had come in closest to the wall, leaving Junior farther out in the lagoon, on the other side of Precious and Marlika.

The new cygnet had settled in nicely and was smoothing his feathers into place when Precious got up, went over to him and very gently pecked the cygnet's neck - it wasn't anything like a bite, just a peck. Then they touched bills, but Precious resumed literally nudging the little one with his bill until he finally stood up - Precious walked, then swam behind the new cygnet until he was out farther in the water than Junior, and all was serene again. It was almost like watching a ballet. So there's a "pecking order" there. Precious was so gentle, but clearly didn't want the newcomer closer in the family circle than Junior.