Photo Feature: By The Wey – Again

Published on: 4 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 7 Sep, 2015

Readers might have been wondering what happened to the family of swans whose nest and successful hatching of ten cygnets was reported in earlier articles.

After a long period of mysterious absence absence it seems they have reappeared, at least two adult swans with seven large cygnets were spotted on Tuesday (September 2) in Millmead.

Does anyone know where they have been over the summer?

After weeks of absence the swan family glide back into view.

If they are they same brood they have lost two cygnets, there were nine tiny cygnets originally observed, but a 77 per cent survival rate is probably above the average.

A closer look shows just how much the cygnets have grown since May. After five months a cygnet grows to 34 times its birth weight and the male cobs start to outpace the female pens in weight gain.

The nearby renovated boat house looks great…

…as does its more modest neighbour…

…while the commercial boat house where the narrow boats could be hired is still looking derelict and sad. But an under offer sign looks hopeful. Does anyone know what plans might be in mind?