Sleepy young Cygnets at Maldon, Essex. Image taken on 10th Jun 2015
Sleepy young Cygnets at Maldon, Essex. Image taken on 10th June 2015 by Simon Webster A family from the Essex town of Maldon have become local celebrities with many aspiring photographer wanting to capture an image of mum and dad with the newly hatched youngsters. The resident pair of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) have so far managed to raise three fine Cygnets which appear to be doing well under the watchful gaze of their parents. According to local sources the fourth baby has been lost but the figure is still up on last year as the breeding pair didn’t raise any at all. This was probably down to the female who succumbed to an attack by a fox which has left her lame. The year before, the Swans had a brood of seven but again none of them managed to survive to maturity. The news of these young Swans is encouragement especially after a brutal and evil attack on another family of ten Mute Swans. Four of the young swans were shot and killed and both parents were badly wounded with air riffle pellets lodged in their heads and chests. Another two more offspring were also injured and are with their parents whilst the remaining two youngsters have been rescued. The crime happened at a lake in Kennington Park, Aveley, also in Essex. This was reported to the RSPCA as well as the police who are investigating the incident which happened at the beginning of June 2015. A spokesman for the RSPCA told the South Essex News “Unfortunately, we do see cases like this far, far too often. “We very concerned to hear about this incident. Anyone with information should come forward and call us.” Information and quotes regarding the attack on the family of Swans came from the web page listed below.
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Maldon, Essex UK
Photo credit: © Simon Webster / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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