Tristan and Isolde on the hill - they're spending more time on land these last few days; a neighbour saw one of the big swans (he didn't know which one) chasing Isolde out of the water yesterday. I'm sure both young swans will be more aggressive as time goes on.

Boy and the Big Brother (a.k.a. Genghis Swan) were "courting" again this morning, bowing and touching bills complete with heavy breathing! Those two just can't decide: They're alternately necking or spinning for territory - and provide great entertainment for all.

New cygnet and Marlika is still sitting tight on what I suspect are non-fertile eggs,since nothing more hatched since Sunday morning. The cygnet was standing beside her on the nest, trying to climb up on her back... so cute. The marshy growth has become so thick, we can just barely make them out but it's clear he/she looks strong and healthy. No evidence of going for a swim yet! However, they might have taken the little one in one of the wetlands watery areas when we're not there to see. I hope she'll give up on those eggs and be off the nest soon.

Precious is never far away, keeping a wary eye on his little family. Last evening I sat on the bench across from the nesting site - he came over and lay down beside me, happy in the discovery of an especially lush patch of grass. He grazed for the next half-hour until it had been thoroughly "mowed" and then settled down for a nap. Unlike Papa Swan who sleeps quite soundly once he's tucked his bill under a wing, Precious is ever on the alert, and his head popped up if a runner came close or he heard a new sound.

Mama and Papa Swan were at the other end of the lagoon - each having selected a rock out in the water, perched on them, enjoying a preen in the quiet.