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Penny and Duke have settled down to a quiet summer with no cygnets. Penny deserves a break after 10 years constant production. Both of them are looking good, but moulting time will start this month for Penny at least.
Meanwhile the mother with 9 ducklings is no longer able to keep them all under cover, just as well it's mid summer.
With the coldest night of the winter so far, the river birds are feeling the chill and pretty ravenous at feeding time.
Hard penetrating frost means a tough time for the birds generally, finding food and water to drink for the smaller garden birds in particular. Penny and Duke have eased off chasing the stray cygnet, and allowing it to stay in the river meanwhile. It is much smaller than Penny's last brood and also younger, I think this is why penny is unwilling to chase it away yet.
The ducks are gathering on the lower river as they do when the hard weather strikes, moving water does not freeze easily and they have their source of food from the Trust.
Incredibly there as still a duck nesting, I think the mild October weather fooled her and now I am watching like a hawk to see if they will hatch. She is an experienced mother so I await with bated breath !
Popeye and Penny chilling out during the big chill !
