” Chase Me”.

It’s an absolutely glorious day here on the marina, as I sit in the bow with my feet up listening to the sounds of the birds, the thrumming of a distant motor, and the thumping pulse in my head due to this damn cold. It’s taking a while to shake off, but in surroundings like this, I have no need to complain!

Two swans have just flown overhead, their wings swooshing in a steady rhythm as they make their way to the field adjacent to the dog walk.
There appear to be swans everywhere this year, and we have a new nest down by the gateway to the other basin which has four eggs in it. Whether they will hatch is uncertain as the adults have not been in full attendance, and we believe a dog new to the area has been allowed to investigate and rummage through their structure.

From what I have read, as with ducks, it is not unusual for first clutches to fail, and it would appear that someone has removed the duck eggs from the tulip bed.
Saying that though, I think the two mallards have found a better and more protected site in the pampas grass.

This picture was taken several years ago in Lincolnshire of a new nesting pair which tried valiantly to keep their nest and precious contents above water.
Sadly they failed, and the eggs were abandoned.

What is so fascinating to watch today are the swallows.
They are becoming quite numerous now, and the speed at which they fly along the length of the marina over the water then swooping up into the sky like some kind of winged daisy chain, is mesmerizing. All part of their mating courtship I suppose.
Last year, I had a ringside seat watching them dip and dive (this is a google image)
as they wove in and out between the boats, then dance into the air and occasionally come to rest on the TV aerial of the boat next door or on our pontoon finger (these are mine).

Like tiny black and white arrows showing the way, they dart in and out of my line of sight, but their calling song echoes around me as I sit prone and still while they are a mass of activity.

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