This afternoon we went back to see Scarface and his mate, intending to darvic ring the remaining seven cygnets. As usual, the cob (named Scarface due to a nick in his beak caused by a discarded fishing line) knew exactly what we were up to and remained a good distance away, as did his mate. He already has a metal ring but she has not been marked at all.
The cygnets are very used to receiving handouts, and kept coming back despite seeing their siblings caught up. After catching 6 of the 7, the last unmarked youngster knew to keep out of reach of Chris.
All captures were made from a small grassy area.
So small in fact that the ringed cygnets frequently got in the way.
6 of 7 cygnets marked. The cob currently in primary moult.
This established pair are good parents, still having 7 of the original 9 young. The two that were lost may have been road casualties as the pond is right next to a road.
