Holding the Fort

What a Day! Ferocious winds and sleet, about the worst combination as far as i'm concerned.

The High spring tides at 4.7 metres locally, combined with the wind and low pressure pushed the water onto the river path. The tide is high for the next two days as well, so possible flooding .

The Swans are wondering whats happened, and have been shoring up the nest with all available materials. The water stopped just short of the nest but it could get washed over tomorrow or thursday, we shall just have to wait and see. Fortunately she hasn't started laying yet and is still gathering algae and looking for weed which is still non existent, we need sunlight and warmth for that ! The cob got onto the nest and held the sides down with his wings, to prevent the wind blowing the sides away !

I noticed another problem with one of the drakes, it seems to have something stuck in it's throat and is unable to swallow, he is getting desperate for food and is need of attention. He also has a deformed foot and is wary of getting too close to other ducks because of his inability to escape quickly. I will try and catch him and see whats stuck in his throat, probably a piece of crab shell or maybe a hook, it wont be easy because he is wild and can fly.

I managed to catch another drake a couple of years ago and remove a crab shell that was stuck in it's bill.

At least the duck with the diseased bill has survived the winter and is thriving, the bill seems to have healed well but still a bit missing.