High Drama over the fence

I was so thrilled this morning to see one of the black swan’s eggs had hatched, and in no time at all the chick was up and about and then near tragedy struck, one of the rooks sidled in and plucked the chick up but dropped it and then all let loose. It seems the little one was injured but managed to hobble back to the nest. There are at least three more eggs to hatch yet. The rooks and the four cock pheasants have pestered the swans all day. The swans seemed to get cross with each too. I would be surprised if this and any of the other chicks survive. Nature is tough. meanwhile in the next paddock the Indian Runner Ducks were having a ménage à trois and the rheas just watched! see extras