Swans on the increase

Nest building

Wednesday 22nd April 2015

Wondered where the two swans on the Driffield Beck had gone. We turned a corner and there they were, busy building a nest. A well defended site had been chosen, with very thick willow and blackthorn forming a barrier at the rear, to keep out wandering foxes. The nest itself, on the left of the picture is already quite high and on an island. The male on the right of the picture was busy pulling out branches and reeds and taking them to the female. She was constantly pulling up the 'gifts' onto the nest and re-arranging it. He had already seen me as a threat and was preparing to confront me, even though I was quite some distance away. Let's hope all goes well and we have an increase in the swan population.