Sad Day At The Swan Nest In The City

There were torrential rains and wind.

The swan nest was flooded and broke up. I did not take my real camera out because of the rain.

The steadfast guard duck was still there when I went early in the morning to see.

The river had risen and everything floated away. The mallard was waiting for the swans where the nest had been.
It was tragic.  For me, anyway.  I held it together, being informed about flooding being the major cause of swan nest failure.
When I was listening to the storm at home in the night I feared the worst.
But the duck waiting there did me in.  I cried in the morning rain.

I have walked down the river since, looking to see if any of the eggs were trapped in the debris from the storm.  None.
I was more sad for the people near and far who were watching the swan nest, and waiting in happy anticipation for the hatchlings.
It is so sweet when strangers can gather in cheerful hope and expectancy.
We will not have baby swans here this year.

Spring will come again next year, just as sure as the sun comes up every morning.
♥ Chloe

The Steadfast Mallard Duck, On Duty at the Swan Nest

He has assigned himself the job of watching over the Swan nest.  He is always there.
His mate is there also, often just out of the picture.
His work comes first, she knew that when she got involved with him.

See him on the board?  The swans can rest while he is watching.
He chases the interlopers away.  Who did they think they were?

A brave and loyal and noble duck.  Handsome, too.

Everyone is waiting for the swan babies to hatch now.
It won't be for a few of weeks.
We can wait easier knowing the duck is on duty.
Here is a whole set of pictures of the Swan nest in the city http://www.flickr.com/photos/chloe-and-ivan/sets/72157629250352920/ ♥Chloe

Checking on our Swan Mother in the evening

All seemed well.  The Father Swan was not around tonight, but the friendly duck couple was there with her.
I had walked in a different way to take pictures.
I found this on the ground near the river

Is it a Killdeer eggshell?

The Mother Swan nestled in for the night.
Do you see the ducks in the water nearby?    
Goodnight, Swan.  ♥Chloe

Swan eggs in the city

The swan mother carefully tucked in her eggs.
She had gotten up to groom herself and stretch her legs.

Beautiful Easter eggs in the swan nest.
This swan lives in the city.  There is duct tape and styrofoam and plastic litter in her nest.

While the Mother swan was taking a break, the Father swan guarded the eggs.
A Father duck was helping guard the eggs, too.  The Mallard and his mate are there all the time.

The Mother Swan settled herself back on the nest and put her beak under her wing.   She had counted her eggs, and made sure that each one was covered. The Father Swan watched over her from the river nearby.

The Father Swan swimming near the nest in the evening.
Good night, Swans.  ♥Chloe