Swan with no mates Billy

Billy our resident male Mute Swan.

He was born on the the Top Lodge in 2008, he was the only survivor of 4 two died within days and the other at a few weeks, after that he was called Billy no mates. He was a problem to his parents when the time came for him to go, for try as old Edward (his father) did to see him off he was stubborn and lingered on. Edward his father died in 2010 and he became resident Swan - his mate (who was also his mother) died early this year, so now he waits for his new bride to fly in.

Sunday 28 February

Billy Swan being escorted back to the Big Lodge by me this morning, he was on the play area - think he must have been chasing Swans off - he only has one cygnet left as last week two of the three were killed after crashing into the trees - the full grown cygnets are believed to have been blown into the trees.  He now seems to want to keep this one, we thought this would happen when his mate was killed last year by a dog, he has brought the youngsters up and tragedy still still stalks him with this latest accident.

Sunrise

 Cherry Plum - Prunus cerasifera

Firethorn - Pyracantha coccinea

Take Care

Monday 20 April

Good Morning All

 Big Lodge

Billy Swan on a mission 3 swans on his lodge

 

 He will give chase till they go

 Blue Tit in one of my nest boxes

 Daisy - Bellis perennis

Hoverfly

Moorhen & Chick

Take Care

Wednesday 11 March

Another cold sunny morning

We were chatting and Billy Swan got out of the water to remind me that they needed feeding

 Common Nettle - Urtica dioica no one likes to be nettled, I am always brushing near them and end up looking for a dock leaf. They may sting but they are one of the most important plants for some of the butterfly.

On the rucks, Lords & Ladies - Arum maculatum these are a little behind the ones lower down the valley.

Take Care

Sunday 1 March

I was fooled this morning, the temperature was up and I thought lighter clothing would be fine, the wind factor made it well below, it cut right through us. After two hours I was glad to get home to a cup of tea & my porridge but before I could have that, boots had to be hosed down along with Meg having her legs washed all in cold water. 

Billy Swan was looking every inch the powerful top male he has become, the youngster is still on the lodge but not for long.

Crocus planted near a memorial bench

Plenty of Lesser Celandine - Ficaria verna in flower

Memorial Bench near the site of the old cottages, the lady lived here as a girl.

Take Care

Saturday 28 February

Cold but we stayed dry

Billy Swan came out of the water after food even though I'd fed them earlier.

 

He sulked and went back in the water when I put the food away.

 

 Happy gang of dogs on Primrose Hill Field

 Little Gromit with the ball

I took this out of Meg's paw, she must have picked it up while I was among the undergrowth looking for new growth, it's from the Hawthorn.

Take Care

Thursday 27 March

Took quite a few photos so will split them up

Billy Swan was in protective mode and no one was to be on his lodge.

Take Care