Boy, our intrepid 15-year old, is becoming friskier by the day! This morning he decided to show off some of his renewed energy for a second time,to our delight. Following his usual morning visit by the shore, and expected reaffirmation of how fine he is, he stretched his long neck as far as it would reach, spread his wings back and zoomed at top speed across the water, joyously flapping with enough vigor for the sound to be heard long-distance. Oh he was a happy swan! Big Papa Swan who was not far away, just looked in amazement at the feathered powerhouse and decided chasing would not be in order today!

Meantime, back at the other side of the Lagoon, the little family of Precious, Marlika and cygnet came out to graze and rest on the cool grass. As noted previously, Precious is really laid back with ducks but little Marlika had no such kind sentiments toward the pretty Mallard mom and her four ducklings scampering a short distance away. She fluffed up to twice her size, and turned into a Swan Warrior-Maiden, stomping over to shoo the ducks, while Precious continued to recline in comfort, barely glancing at the proceedings.

JUNE 13th
Made a quick visit to the lagoon at suppertime just to be sure all was well... and it was, for the most part. One exception: Boy had decided to check out the wetlands side of the lagoon while Precious patrolled the shoreline in classic regal swan pose. Talk about outrage! Before you could count to 3, Boy was doing an encore of his feat yesterday, skimming over the water at top speed, with a determined Precious in hot pursuit, all but leaving skid marks on the surface - but Boy was 'way faster than Precious - he reached the safety of his home-base so quickly that a frustrated Precious just turned around and headed back, all his fun gone. NOW I think I understand Boy's earlier speed demonstrations.... he was just practicing to see how close he could go to "bug" Precious and still escape!

Little Mom Marlika had the cygnet out on the side of the road by the holding pond, but soon took him back into the wetlands when the road became hectic with passing people. Much as we enjoy watching them, it's always a relief when they return to their refuge.