Precious was so funny this morning - he dashed up from the water (talk about a strong swan - he ran up a fairly steep climb through brush without even using his wings for 'lift!' ) He wanted an arm-wrestle in the worst way, but he was all wet 'n soggy so I made him settle for a few tugs on my jacket as a consolation prize. After suitable praise and admiration, he turned around and headed back to the water and the wetlands again. Even at times when I don't think he's around, he suddenly pops out to socialize a bit.

Here's one of those "amazing swans" experiences. He "purrs" when he's really content -- it's a low steady thrumming and if you put a finger on the inside of his neck, you can feel the vibration. I have never tried this with any of the other swans since Precious is the only one who invites this kind of contact, but it's probably true for all. There seems to be no end to the discoveries made with renewed contact. Nature really is wonderful.