About 6 weeks ago these beautiful swans built a nest on the dam next door and while one of them diligently sat and warmed the eggs, the other wandered over the paddock in search of greens. The eggs must have been getting close to hatching and then last week - Disaster!
We had a sudden very heavy deluge of rain and hail and the dam water was raised very, very quickly. So quickly, in fact, that the swans' beautifully constructed reed nest was inundated and the eggs washed away or submerged. The poor birds were frantically swimming round and round looking for their prospective offspring to no avail and the next day they flew off, perhaps looking for a better water hole.
I was deeply disappointed for them about their loss and for myself, as I had been looking forward to seeing the swanlings cygnets at close range every day as they grew up.
They have been on my mind each day as I potter about in the new garden, from which I have a great vantage point of the dam. Happily, for me they have come back and are once again building another nest! With a slightly different position and hopefully without any flooding issues, we might just see the glorious sight of several fluffy grey bundles and two elegant parents. If they are successful, by the time we come home from the mainland they will be close to hatching and while I won't be thinking of them much while I'm away, they'll be a lovely sight to come home to!
And yes, my packing is on my mind too but it's not have as interesting to tell you about - lots of instructions given and cleaning being done - not interesting at all!!
I'm joining in with Down to Earths On My Mind and if you pop over to Rhonda's you can see what others are thinking of today.
What a sad story! Sometimes birds don't use sense when making their nests. We had a plover at school that put her next right on the path where everyone walks and of course Mr Plover spent most of his time very agitated trying to protect his mrs.
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Nature certainly has a way of being cruel sometimes. I'm glad that they have returned and are going to try again.
ReplyDeleteIt can be so hard to understand.
ReplyDeleteOh, that would be devastating!!! For the swans, and also you! I hope this next attempt works out better.
ReplyDeleteI am a bird-nut. I would love to see the wee swans, too. (Do post photos if you see them!) We don't have black swans in the north. They are even more striking I think.
This summer I was clued in to the location of a great horned owl nesting pair. The owls had one baby owl and it was very exciting for me to observe them. But, alas, at one point the poor little baby fell from the tree and the parents could do nothing so the baby didn't make it. Ah, the circle of life is so heartwarming and heartbreaking all in its time.
That's so sad! I wonder if it is too late for them to try again this year. I hope not. How lovely to have swans nearby!
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