Twenty seventeen has been a disappointing year for Penny, having lost her lifelong partner Popeye in September 2016.
We all thought that her new Mate Duke was a godsend, but it transpired that Duke was her offspring and resulted in infertile eggs being laid.
Penny doggedly in vain, kept trying to hatch them. In the end I had to remove the eggs for the sake of her health. Duke was sick several times during the past year and the Trust rescued him twice for veterinary treatment. Two months ago Penny took Duke away to join a flock elsewhere, effectively starting a new life for both of them. She returned about 2 months ago with a new mate and has left Duke to start over. She is still away but returns every couple of weeks to check on the nest site, to ensure that no others have taken it over. I am fairly certain she will be back in the new year with a new mate, ready to nest and once again grace our river with cygnets in the summer.
Meanwhile I thought I would remind everyone of the delightful Swan history, with some pics of Penny and Popeye's last brood in 2016.
The Trust would like to Thank all our members for their continued support, and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Enjoy. 😃
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