Since we discovered 'Swan Lake' last year, it's become one of our regular places to go for a short evening walk, but this was our first visit of the year.
Peering at the lake through the reeds it still looks rather bleak, but blackthorn, wild cherries and pussy willow were blossoming so Spring is definitely here.
We tried to count the swans ... four here ...
another over there ...
ooh, seven swans a-swimming ...
and more!
In all we thought there were thirty(!) on our first visit. They appeared to be grouped in families - two adult swans and last year's cygnets with their dirtier plumage.
There are geese, ducks, and coots too, but the swans grab all the limelight
All the birds seemed to be gathered on the first lake nearest to the car park, presumably where they're more likely to be fed by visitors, so the other lakes appeared strange and mysteriously empty.
There's something about this spot that I find calming, so a few days later we headed back. A couple of pairs of swans had headed off to the smaller ponds this time, perhaps scouting for nesting sites, and I expect that soon the family groups will split up. For now though to see them come sailing across the lake is a wonderful sight.
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