Yesterday in freezing conditions, we saw a pair of Swans and 5 tiny sygnets, swimming out into the bay. I didn't know they had little ones that late , it's almost winter now. They were swimming out fast, and quickly we couldn't spot them anymore. Has anybody else noticed Swans having sygnets that late?
Can't say I have, Araminta, but I understand they breed any time if the conditions (i.e., plenty of water) are right.
Cygnets are always cute and great to see.
My local pair at Richmond generally have young dead bang in the middle of winter, my last photos of babes this size were in July last year. The young then generally get picked off by foxes or some other predators. It's not good that they are at a small pond and picnic area, where they get used to people. Although I do believe that the feral animals are the ones, which would take them.