Preening

One of 3 immature swans currently living in the nature reserve.  They are full of the joys of spring winter and are preening obsessively so that I wonder if - provided they can get rid of their dark 'baby' feathers - they will be ready to breed this year.  I imagine so, though what do I know?

This one obligingly got out of the water and stood on the bank by the path to finish its grooming.  It looked a bit nervous/aggressive at first (I was very close) but it was rather sweet how quickly it settled down when I started to talk to it.  Actually they usually do, provided you don't mention the phrase medieval banquet.

Happy Saturday evening, folks  xx