Penny Pre Moulting Bath

Cygnets are still intact and thriving, Popeye and Penny keeping them close and ever watchful of potential danger. Penny is entering the pre moulting stage and pulling at her feathers, I think there is some irritation and possible parasites that need expelled with the old feathers.

 Sitting on a nest for nearly 7 weeks is bound to allow some pests to get onto her body.

She was doing a lot of picking and had a vigorous bath. ( short video below ).

Penny Takes a Break

With the cold Northerly wind blowing up river for days on end, today's brief glimpse of sunshine finally allowed Penny the chance for a short break. Popeye was on hand to stand guard over the nest, while Penny shivered after entering the cold water. A quick bite of some Wheat grains and a bath, followed by some preening. After 10 minutes off the nest, she returned to continue the long incubation. Popeye meanwhile passed some more nesting material to Penny and presented me with a shot of a pull me - push me Swan !