Clutch control...

By the river in the heart of Kingston, this swan has the most unlikely, but possibly the safest nest site possible. She was having a good preen when I first saw her, but a little patience on my part was rewarded, because once she'd finished straightening her feathers she stood up to reveal a clutch of eight huge, shiny eggs, which she proceeded to rearrange with her feet and beak before settling back to the serious business of incubation.

The position of the nest makes it hard to get a clear shot - which is probably just as well - but I'll be keeping an eye out in the coming weeks, and hoping that she manages to bring a full brood into the world.