How can you tell that our local 'Brangelina' had babies?
The swannerazzi are all outside their home, hoping to catch a glimpse, of course!
This is what I found when I sped over to the pond yesterday.
Having heard that the cygnets had been born while I was gone,
I headed straight there when I got home!
And this was my first sighting of the little brood.
Seven of them!
My fellow photogs told me they had just climbed back in the nest
after a little time out swimming around.
I arrived just as mama swan was working to settle her babes for the night.
They all piled in the nest, and mama set herself right down on top of them.
As children do, they squirmed around...
some taking longer to get settled than others.
All of them trying to get as close to mama as they can.
The cute baby face must be a universal phenomenon.
I mean, look at this sweet little thing!
What's a mama to do?
You know, when we look into their cute faces...
and they snuggle up to us like no one else can...
they tend to get what they want...
or, at the very least, all the loving we can muster!
"Mama, there's not enough room under there for me!
Where can I sleep?"
There's always one that's wide awake,
and stirring up trouble.
Poor mama, just trying to sleep.
"Here little ones, I have the perfect spot for you."
"Just climb right in here, under my wing. I'll keep you warm and safe."
Oh, motherhood.
There's just nothing like it.
As the mama and the kids settled in,
the papa got off his feet.
He settled a bit, but kept vigil.
It was time to say goodnight to the family.
And to the friendly photographers I met by the side of the pond.
Another universal truth?
Birth - the miracle of birth - brings us together.
All the little auntie and uncle photogs were gathered together
sharing in the joy of the new arrivals!
It was a wonder to see the baby swans.
And a joy to meet fellow pond wanderers!