Victorious swan

The day slipped away, thanks to a combination of catching up with everyday life after returning from holiday and an afternoon visit from a student from Luxembourg who was returniing some hoverfly specimens she'd borrowed from Pete for her Masters degree.

It was evening before we took Rosie out, but it was still warm and spring-like - though this had brought out hordes of people to Ferry Meadows. Two cob swans were having a very elegant show-down, their white feathers puffed up as they performed a graceful weaving dance, never approaching too close. This was the victor, taking a last look at his vanquished rival.

Spring has really arrived now, and the air was filled with hundreds of sand martins, mostly heading through quite purposefully, though a few were swooping low over the lake to feed on the midges. They were accompanied by a few swallows. It won't be long before house martins and swifts are also seen!