Penny

It's almost 10 years since I first saw Penny and Popeye on the river. They arrived in May 2005 looking for a nesting site, I believe they were newly paired up and about 4 years old. 

This makes them 14 years old this season.
What a pair they have turned out to be, they have raised 49 cygnets to date and have claimed the river territory as their own.

Today I watched as two new swans tried to fly in, only to be met by Penny and this years offspring, it was no contest so they headed away - they might well have been some of her previous offspring. 

The swans island is extremely attractive when the tide is in, and no doubt looks an ideal nesting site for any pair of swans.

Penny has made full use of the Island since it's construction, and now knows the river and tides better than anyone.

In celebration of her many productive years contribution to the river, and the pleasure she has given to all who traverse the riverside, 

here are some classic poses of this beautiful and remarkable Swan.