Early this morning we visited Elizabeth’s home to bid farewell to Louisa, Jessica, and Imogen as they set off back to their home in Mapperley. This was a brief stop, after which we took a forest drive.
Initially overcast and threatening rain, the skies brightened and the sun emerged to cast long shadows during the last hour before lunch.
As Louisa sped away with her two elegant cygnets, the pair of swans and their still dependent grown family fished and reflected in the rippling shallows of their adopted tidal river at Beaulieu.
Some preened;
some dived;
all dripped droplets as they surfaced and craned their sinuous necks.
On the verges of the of the road beside the water ponies grazed
and inconvenienced passing traffic.
Becky joined us this evening for dinner, which consisted of Mr Pink’s fish and chips with pickled onions and gherkins. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Piddle.
Our daughter is staying overnight and will drive Dillon to Heathrow tomorrow because he has business to attend to in America.
I liked seeing these swans and the concentric waves of water they cause
And I’m always amazed to see ponies running loose by the road
You live in a magical place, Derryck
In friendship
Michel
Thank you very much, friend Michel
Wonderful shots of the swan family, and nice reference to Louisa and “her brood” as well. Cute seagull that photobombed the swan only images, and of course the water ponies I think thoroughly enjoy snickering when they block the road. Sher and I send our best to you and Jackie! Give that precious little granddaughter a hug from us.
Thanks very much, Maj and Sher, from us both
The parents have done very well to raise as many cygnets as they have to that stage. Surely, they should all survive to fledge now?
Perhaps they can’t afford today’s rents. Thanks a lot, John
The cygnets are so beautiful, great photos Derrick! I welcome Dillon to the States! 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Thanks a lot, John
The swans look so elegant. Guess the little family is to be temporarily separated. Hope that Dillon will return soon. I love the name water ponies. You do live in an enchanted place.
Thank you so much, Pat
Your swan family photos are so beautiful and lovely….they are swan in a million!!! They ARE such elegant birds! And they seem very busy. 🙂 The ponies seem busy, too! Being a landscaper can be hard work. 🙂
Bestest and safest travel wishes for Dillon! Hope he doesn’t have to be away from Flo and Ellie for long. (((HUGS))) ❤️
PS…My friend is half horse…and always the centaur of attention. 😀
Okay, I’ll rein in the equine jokes before I stirrup trouble! I’ll giddy-up on out of here at a fast gallop. 😀
🙂 Thank you so much, Carolyn X
I love the swan series! I would love to just stand and watch them.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The swans are beautiful! The ponies seem to be enjoying the angled light, too.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Fish and chips! Yummy! I always enjoy seeing the swans. Thanks for sharing, Derrick.
Much appreciated, Jill
Apparently I’m the only one so far who’s unclear on the meaning of ‘Piddle.’ Capitalization suggests a product of some sort, and not the kind I’m remembering!
It is the name of a Dorset Pale Ale, named for the river. I thought it was much more fun to wait for questions, rather than explain in the post.
It is the name of a Dorset Pale Ale, named for the river. I thought it was much more fun to wait for questions, rather than explain in the post.Thanks very much, Linda
Elegant, is the perfect word to describe these cygnets and their parents. Nice continuation of the grey and white colors with the featured pony. I hope Dillon has a safe and productive trip.
Thank you very much, JoAnna.
They are so beautiful
Thank you very much, Gary
Thank you for the swan and cygnet photos. It must be relaxing to watch those elegant creatures.
Thank you very much, Nicki
We don’t get swans here so I have enjoyed a good look at them through your lens.
Thank you very much, Anne
Michel’s right, you do live in a magical place but you’re responsible for some of that magic with your wondrous garden.
Thank you so much, Sheree
You’re very welcome Derrick
George Friedrich Händel must have had these elegant birds in mind when he composed his famous works for George I’s royal barge trip! Take a listen to this selection from his Water Works and imagine the swans on calm water.
https://youtu.be/Qzop5TgogMI
Thanks very much, Doug. Excellent music
Such beautiful swan photos–a lovely series.
And yes, the cygnets in your own family are indeed elegant.
Safe travels for Dillon.
I’m wondering what that was you drank.
A Dorset Pale Ale, named for the river, Merril. Thanks very much
Much better than what went through my head with that name. 😏
🙂
The white swans and white ponies are a beautiful contrast to the blue water and green lawns.
I’m pleased you appreciate that, GP. Thank you very much
Those cygnets are indeed elegant.
Thank you very much, Laurie
To see the Swan with black beak and black legs in company of usual looking swans is a little bit strange. Here in Canada by the winter time we have Trumpeter Swans which look like that on your picture. They come to us from up north to survive during the winter time. Usually they are staying by their colony and do not allow strangers to get in.
Thanks very much, Alexander. I think you are seeing a cygnet – they are now as big as their parents, and will lose their brown feathers soon.
Probably you are right. The only things confused me the colour of beak and legs. Perhaps their colour will be changed too.
Lovely candid shots of the swans.
Thank you very much, Sherry
The cygnets are beautiful!
Thank you very much, Aletta
I enjoyed seeing the swans and their young. I read somewhere that it’s not unusual for a brood to stay with parents after the following year’s eggs are hatched.
We will watch for that, Sue. Thanks very much
I love the swan photos! Swans are so elegant and graceful.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I think the feathers of the juvenile swans is beautiful, that mix of brown and white. I think the adults are beautiful too, though, so perhaps I am easy to please. My favourite photo is that of the water ponies. 😉
Thank you very much, Crystal
Clever reference to the “elegant Cygnets.” Indeed, they are!
I’m pleased you appreciated that, Jodie. Thanks very much
xo
Such beautiful photos of the swans and the ponies.
x
Piddle, glad I checked the comments. Thought you might have taken up the habits of a past Indian dignitary.
🙂 Thanks very much, Lindsey
What a beautiful family of swans 🦢
Thank you very much, Ribana
I love those swans. It must have been hard for Dillon to leave Flo and their wee one. 😯
It was. Thank you for understanding, AnneMarie
I presume ownership goes to King Charles now. With his penchant for conservation, I imagine they are secure in their haunts!
Good thought, Doug. Thanks very much
“They ain’t just ducks, Chaz. I suggest beheadings for anyone who messes with them. We can say they all belong to you and who can question that.”