Growing Cygnets

Lack of warmth and sunshine in this part of the world has hampered the growth of river weed.

 This is a normal part of the Swans diet which is primarily vegetation. 

The Trust supplements their food with chopped lettuce, grass, Wheat,  which has now jumped 20% in price, due to the Ukraine war.

 To ensure adequate nutrition, Dried mealworm and poultry pellets, with Wholemeal is also given.

 Our Swan family makes a bee line for the food source as the pics and short video below shows.

Cold Killer

This is the coldest May I can ever remember and it is serving the predators well. Today another Mother duck turned up on the river with 5 ducklings and I watched as 3 were taken one after another over about 30 minutes by a Crow. 

This evening she had lost the last two, I have no problem with predation as long as it continues right to the ultimate predator - us,  however I do have a problem with predation stopping at Crows !! It is so depressing to witness this constant slaughter. The cold weather means a distinct lack of insect life, not suitable for young birds.

The cygnets are growing and making full use of the renovated Moat and nest site. 

Growing Cygnets

Three weeks and already the cygnets are the size of Mallards, a few more pics showing the growing family. Short Video clip below.