Mute swans practice flying #10

Mute swans practice flying #10

The Mute Swan family gathered on the north edge of the lake.

The adult pair had their two yearlings, born in 2019, and three young born in spring 2020.

Usually swans chase their young away from their territory in the autumn, but this pair tolerates their young for much longer, probably because of the large size of the lake and plentiful food.

The cob, however, was all fluffed wings and lowered head, a behaviour called 'busking' to one of the two older young.

After a short chase, the young started flying, followed by a younger sibling and dad, and all three flew to the other end of the lake.

I watched this happened three times while I was there.

The swans only needed to drift on the wind to the top of the lake, and then take advantage of the gentle head wind for an easier lift.

They yearlings might be getting ready to finally leave their natal lake, practicing taking off and landing.