From a distance one Swan looks like another, even to an observer like myself. However given time and close study, it is possible to distinguish one swan from another. The great thing about digital cameras and computers, mean that pictorial records can be made and studied in close detail.
The above series of photos show our current Swans, from when i first spotted them in May 2005. In the first pic i reckon they must have been about 4 years old and looking for a territory. The second pic shows the pen being made to clear out of the river by our previous cob when it returned from Kingsteps.
The third pic shows their attempt in 2006 at nesting on the island just below the road bridge, which failed due to some sort of attack on the nest. The 4th pic shows the distraught pen in the harbour having abandoned the bridge nest site.
The following year they again tried to lay eggs firstly on the river bank, which was flooded at high tide. Then again in the harbour with the same result.
You can see the vain attempt to salvage the nest and eggs laid in the harbour.
Swans do have markings which may be very slight, such as spots and colour differences on their legs and feet. The reason i know this is the same pair since 2005, is the facial markings on the pen. Instead of a neat straight black join between the bill and face, there is a slight pointed area about mid way on what should be a straight section, It is unique to her. The previous Pen had particularly spotty legs and white bony feet, with a particularly large spot halfway up her right leg.
These are the ways i study which swans are which!
I am heartened by the fact that all their persistence and egg laying failures are at an end. They are worthy occupants of the purpose built island, and have rewarded all of us with beautiful cygnets for the past 2 years.
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