New Arrivals and Butterflies and a Ladybird

The resident village swans have been trying for five years to have cygnets, with no luck. The villagers were hoping that this was going to be the year the eggs would hatch. The pond is just across the road from me and I've watched the female swan through my kitchen window for the past six weeks sitting on her eggs. Mr Swan was looking on ...

So, it was a real surprise when one cygnet appeared, then two, three, and finally six! I'm not sure what was different this year apart from the fact that we've had lots of sunshine for several weeks. After a dismal morning, the sun came out so I popped over to see the new brood.

They all looked very healthy. I bet Mr Swan was as shocked as we all were after five barren years.

I counted all six cygnets. I actually thought one was dead as it hadn't moved for several minutes. Suddenly, it woke up! It must have been in a deep slumber.

It was difficult to get photos as the nest was behind some reeds. It will be better when they are swimming in the pond. I'm so pleased that the couple have finally got a little family.

As an added bonus, when I was out I spotted a few tortoiseshell butterflies and a ladybird. Summer is on the way.