Swan Etiquette

Thought briefly that another 4 of our cygnets had left the river. 

Only Penny and Duke with 2 cygnets to be seen. 

An hour later I spotted the other 4 siblings flying home, and was able to catch a few shots as they came in to land. 

Was interesting to watch the protocol of the youngsters as they approached Penny and Duke. 

They arched their wings and squeaked and head nodded, showing due deference and etiquette to Mum and Dad. This etiquette is extended to me as they approach for their supplementary feed.

A ritual that will be used throughout their lives on many occasions.  Photo Sequence tells the story.

Love

Once again Popeye and Penny reinforced the bonds of love as a lesson to their offspring.

With grunts and squeaks, head tilting, wing raising, and staring into each others eyes.

All of this being noticed and acknowledged by the cygnets.

The cygnets now becoming aware of their own gender, are being taught the proper Swan etiquette by their experienced parents.

It was a joy to watch, and the strong autumn Sunshine acted like a spotlight on Popeye and Penny.

Swan Etiquette

As the Nairn cygnets mature and have little skirmishes, the parents occasionally pull them together for etiquette and protocol in such matters. This culminates in communication with cygnets cheeping and head nodding, finally grunting by the Cob draws a line under any bad behaviour.