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As anticipated, today sees the new generation of Nairn swans hatching on the Swans Island.
Sue and Slim continue the Dynasty set by Penny and Popeye over the last decade. Currently I have spotted 3 cygnets and possibly more to follow.
Weather conditions could not have been worse with torrential rain during the night causing a big spate on the river. Not only is it dangerous for fledglings, but disturbs the swans food supply on the riverbed. Sue has been keeping them warm and dry in spite of the torrential rain.
This morning she decided to come to me for some sustenance as it has been 3 days since she last left the nest. I took a few pics as she descended into the river and only later realised that 3 cygnets were about to follow her as Slim took on babysitting duties.
Thankfully they did not follow Mum, as the water is fast flowing and the island steep with dense growth. You have to look carefully to spot them between Slim and Sue, the individual one is easier to see on Mum in the nest.
Sue was born exactly 4 years ago on the exact same spot, this is a huge advantage because she knows the river in all conditions, Slim will follow her lead and learn all there is to know about the territory as well. Further details on the cygnets will be posted as and when I get the chance.
After the biggest Spate this year, the Nairn Beach will need a clean up.
Tons of tree debris roared down the river yesterday and transformed the riverbed on the way down.
Large tree shingle shifters, have been caught up on the bridge supports and stuck in the shallows, causing tons of shingle to build up around them.
As anticipated the remnants of Hurricane Bertha dumped a fair bit of unseasonal weather onto the Moray Firth, resulting in a mini flood....for the moment !
It could have been worse if the wind had been from the north east, pushing the tide more inland.
The waterfowl had to retreat to the only safe area on the lower river, the Swans island and piece of tidal ground behind the seaman's hall.
It's pretty certain that the Swans river weed food supply is now gone for this season, since the force of water and dead trees will have scoured the river bed clean. With further rain forecast, the river is likely to stay high for the coming week.
Meanwhile The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust gives safe sanctuary to the latest duck brood that would have perished in the current conditions.
After yesterday's downpour, the river rose quickly and posed a threat to the cygnets. Penny and Popeye took them downstream to the pier to feed on the seaweed, the problem was how to get back upstream !
Encountering heavy current they crossed the river trying to get to calmer waters on the east side, as it turned out this was a bad move, because the cygnets got washed downstream and Penny and Popeye struggled to save them from possible drowning.
Being trapped at the tarry dyke and in danger of being swept into the metal piling and pushed under by the current, Penny realised the danger and mounted a rescue operation which saved the day.
The sequence of pics shows the events of being trapped against the tarry dyke, and the efforts to protect the cygnets.
Ultimately getting them back to the other side of the river to safety.
