Good Friday

Good Friday and Easter traditionally a time for new life. This indeed is a Good Friday, being the warmest day of the year so far in this part of the world. Coincidentally we also have the appearance of the first duckling brood of the year ! No sign of the Mother duck which is a bit worrying, but hopefully she will turn up soon. 

Often new mothers get pounced on by single drakes and briefly have to make a quick exit from the river. The hatch timing is critical, and their survival depends very much on the mothers care and the weather. The warmth today should ensure a hatch of insect life too.

GOOD FRIDAY

Love is in the air for Penny and Duke on this Good Friday. 

What a lovely surprise to see them getting close and ultimately mating. 

This is quite a change from last year when Duke was weak and ill. 

Today all systems were go and he was synchronising the rituals, and behaving much like Popeye did in the past.

After mating at high tide, he proceeded to the nest and dutifully guarded it.

All the signs are pointing to a normal nesting season, fingers crossed we get some cygnets this year.