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| Hey!
Who is that sitting on the nest? Figure it out yet? |
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| Ulysses
prepares to watch the nest as Penelope takes the cygnets
down near the water for a little break from the nest. |
 |
| Penelope
and the cygnets take a nap after their short venture out
of the nest. |
 |
| The
cygnets take a nap under the warm sun. |
 |
| The
cygnets must find their own way back to the nest. |
 |
| The
cygnets dally in the grass a short while to get a taste
of life beyond the nest. |
 |
| Penelope
revels in her cygnets after six long weeks of cold, rainy
weather. |
 |
| Penelope
stretches back to rub her face. |
 |
| Look
closely in that wing. See them? !!! |
 |
| See
the cygnet? |
 |
| The
oldest cygnet no longer wants to stay under the mother's
belly but wants instead to come outside to have a look
around. |
 |
| The
oldest cygnet takes a peak around as Penelope takes a nap. |
 |
| Penelope
gets up signalling to the cygnets that it is time to
leave the nest. |
 |
| Penelope
leads the cygnets out of the nest towards the lake. |
 |
| The
cygnets are very alert and attentive. They like to crawl
about the nest and onto their mother's back. |
 |
| Penelope
says "hello" to her baby that has ventured up
her back to visit with her. |
 |
| Penelope
dozes off into a contented nap under the warm spring sun
with her cygnets crawling over her. |
 |
| The
three cygnets line up in the nest and peer out at the
world outside. |
 |
| The
oldest cygnet keeps the privilege of riding on his mother's
back. |
 |
| The
second oldest cygnet wants to climb on the mother's back
too, but has not figured out how to get up there yet. |
 |
| Penelope
nuzzles her oldest cygnet. |
 |
| The
three cygnets come out into the morning sun besides
Penelope. |
 |
| Ulysses
comes by to check in on the family from his never-ending
patrol. |
 |
| It
is a lazy morning in the nest for the three cygnets. |
 |
| The
cygnets stick together to keep themselves safe and warm. |
 |
| The
cygnets do not sit still for long. |
 |
| When
there are not intruders near the lake, Ulysses stays
nearby. |
 |
| The
oldest cygnet looks out at its father that is coming
closer. |
 |
| Penelope
relaxes peacefully with her offspring. |
 |
| The
cygnets line up at the edge of the nest. |
 |
| The
oldest cygnet peaks out from under the wing. |
 |
| The
oldest two cygnets venture to the edge of the nest. |
 |
| A
sleepy morning for the swan family. |
 |
| The
oldest cygnet sneaks out from under its mother for a look
around. |
 |
| The
oldest cygnet climbs out on its napping mother's wing... |
 |
| The
cygnet climbs out on the shoulder... |
 |
| The
cygnet dozes off into a nap with its mother. |
 |
| Ulysses
watches the nest to keep it warm and dry for Penelope's
return. Many people have misconceptions about the roles
of animals in the wild. But, as it turns out, the male
and female help each other out in a cooperative effort to
raise their young. |
