We began this morning’s forest drive by delivering loaned oil filled radiators to Elizabeth – we took three; she told us she had only lent us two and now was our own. That came back with us and was deposited in our garden shed at the end of our trip.
We were pleased to find that the post box on Pilley Hill was once more decorated with skilful yarn work.
The usual pair of swans glided along Hatchet Pond,
bringing their seven offspring into the mooring bay, in preparation for
a lesson in walking up a slippery slope. Father led the way with arguably the four fittest; followed by mother with three slower cygnets.
Parents periodically paused to preen,
as did this year’s progeny.
In any group there is always a straggler. So it was with this one.
Leaving Dad at the summit with siblings
Mum stepped back down to offer encouragement to the one who had had enough. We moved off before we learned whether or not she was successful,
looked at the waterlilies,
and continued to Ran’s Wood, where
the stream at the bottom of the slope is now drying up.
The roaring and lowing of cattle disappearing behind shrubbery along its path seemed in protest at the paucity of refreshment. Although I could not see them their sound shattered the sweet birdsong, the drone of an overhead aircraft, and the call of a cuckoo.
I settled for shots of ponies on the opposite hillside.
Along Furzey Lane a seated shaggy donkey and a couple of cows basked in the sunshine. In fact, apart from those on the move above, all the cattle we saw were lying down.
Another donkey still sporting winter wear enjoyed a good scratch at East Boldre until
joined by a friendly foal of the other equine kind.
This evening we all dined on tasty baked gammon; piquant cauliflower and broccoli cheese; boiled new potatoes; and crunchy carrots, with which Jackie finished the Viognier and I drank Trivento Mendoza Malbec 2021.
It is good news that the oil heaters can be returned after all your travails of the winter. The cygnets finding their feet, as you put it, remind me of baby elephants learning to use their trunks 🙂
Thank you very much, Anne
Baby Swans, too cute. I am confident mama-swan made sure they find their feet. 🙂
Thank you very much, Bridget
Baby cygnets are very cute, and their parents are providing appropriate care and training.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Gorgeous photos. I love the straggler.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
The Pilley Hill yarn designer is never short of inspiration. Enjoyed the photos of the baby swans 🙂
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Seven is quite a good brood. I wonder how many will fledge?
We thought so, too, John. Thank you very much
A post full of fine photographs. You don’t waste your time when you are out and about.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Looks like a thoroughly enchanting day. Hope you don’t have to use the heaters again. Your donkey reminded me of Vroman, the newest donkey foal.
Thank you very much, Pat
The Pilley Hill knitter always has something interesting, I love that! The cygnets are so cute! you always have beautiful photos to share, Derrick, thank you! ☺️????????
Many thanks, John
You are welcome!
I particularly enjoyed the swans and cygnets photos. I’ve never seen close-up photos of cygnets.
Thank you very much, Liz. I don’t think I’ve seen such little ones out of the water before
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Got to smile with these knitters! You captured mother nature at her nurturing best. Thank you for lifting spirits and moods today ????
Thank you so much, Val
Wonderful Derrick … a lovely pick-me-up for me this morning … swans, cygnets, ponies, foals, donkeys, and waterlilies … just what the doctor ordered
I’m pleased, Ivor. Cheers
I love how you show us the care and concern the swan parents have for their young.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
One year, w
e had an apartment near Hyde Park in London to spend a month or so of summer. The most impressive Wedge of swans I saw was at the pond/lake in Hyde Park, all flying at the same time. OMG! It was truly a kodak moment.
Thank you very much, Zakiah. Our paths may have crossed when I lived near there at various times from the ’70s to the ’00s
It seems there always is a straggler, but I’ve yet to see one left behind — although I have seen a few get so far behind I swear I could sense impatience in the mama.
Thank you so much, Linda
Derrick, this is a feast for the eyes. I feel like I could reach in and touch them. This looks like my kind of day.
Thank you so much, Alys
It sounds like a thoroughly enjoyable day, Derrick and Jackie. I especially enjoyed the series of swans and their cygnets. I hope the straggler found enough energy to make it up the hill.
Thank you so much from us both, Lavinia
The waterlilies are gorgeous!
The shaggy donkey makes me grin!
The baby cygnets! Oh! I can already see the beginnings of their grace, beauty, and majesty!
Mamas and papas in every species have to have patience.
(((HUGS)))
PS… “…Where the water-lilies go To and fro Rocking in the ripples of the water…” – A. A. Milne
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
Wow. That first photo is amazing..Would you believe I have never seen a baby swan before? Adorable, but the huddle is graceful and beautiful.
Thank you so much, Judy
I particularly liked the photos of the swans and their large brood. I never see swans around here– though our geese parents seem very similar in the care they take with their offspring.
Thank you very much, Merril
Oh, this post made me smile. First the cygnets and their ungainly ways, then cows, a donkey, and a foal. Lovely way to start the day.
I’m pleased. Thank you very much, Laurie
You have the knack of getting such wonderful captures. I love the pics of the cygnets.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful pics as always attracting to the country side.
Thank you very much, Geeta
Those little swans look like they have on their fleece jackets! Great shots!
Thank you very much, Dwight
Love the photos of the cygnets and donkeys
Another stellar set of photos.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Adorable.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Wonderful captures of the swans, Derrick. The behavior shown by the parents and the youngsters closely mimics what we see in the Canada geese families here.
Thank you very much Maj and Sher
Such wonderful pictures today, Derrick! I can’t believe how close the swans let you get – and for a long time to get such fabulous shots. I do hope that littlest one is soon up to speed. Glad Mum was with him.
And that sweet donkey was so kind to the curious baby. So glad you were able to capture that sequence.
Thank you so much, Jodie
Not only swans and cygnets but water lilies, too! You do live a lovely place!
We do, Dale. Thank you very much
So lucky!