Norman has some friends round while Norma takes time for reflection

Norman was guarding the nest site today but had company in the form of a pair of ducks. He didn't seem to mind sharing the food with them.

As Ducks don't have as long a neck as Swans do they have to reach that bit further to get to the food.

Norma meanwhile was off having some alone time further up the canal, she swan around looking very serene.

Norma took some food but not as much as Norman

Keeping up appearances

Ever hungry Norman came over or food when we visited today however Norma preferred preening to eating today.

Swans are very keen on preening - they take the task very seriously and spend a good part of their day at it.

Although it looks as though Norma is scratching her head she is in fact preening - a Swan's feet come in handy for preening around the head and face.

Swans have a preen gland located at the base of the tail which produces an oil that they spread throughout their feathers.The waxy oil helps to keep feathers waterproofed and retains heat.

Norma reaches for the base of each feather with her bill and then "nibbles" her way to the top, removing dirt and parasites as she goes. This action aligns the barbs of feathers so that they interlock and form a uniform, flexible surface - important for flying.

  

Doesn't she look beautiful!

Norma goes back on the nest

Norma was back on the nest today, hopefully she will settled enough to lay eggs

Norman came over for some food - you can see how his long neck comes in useful to pick up food from the bottom of the canal.

Later Norman displayed aggression when a dog appeared, you can see how he fluffs up his feathers to make himself appear larger to any potential threat.

Norman goes walkabout

After being MIA yesterday it was good to see Norman back again, he was enjoying the grass today and had a bit of a wander about, Norma meanwhile stayed on the water.

A lovers tiff?

Norman was nowhere to be found today, maybe he was out with the boys.

Norman comes in for his close up

Norman was keen to show off for the camera today, Norma meanwhile preferred to stay on the nest.

Flying high

Norman took a lap of honour around the canal today.