Day 64 - 2:43pm, 5 March 2019
The cygnets on Craiglockhart Pond are growing up fast. Most of their downy feathers have gone and they must be close to the point where Mummy and Daddy Swan will be chasing them out the nest to find homes of their own. But not as yet, the pod is in a guddle half-way along the pond as I make my way to the leisure centre. They are still there as I return home from my fitness class. As I approach the canal bridge, I am treated to the sight of a solitary swan processing on the water.
It is swimming dead centre in the water, and the water streaks out in gentle waves behind it, rippling out lightly to the banks. I am mesmerised by this silent creature, who despite the lack of fanfare, exudes sovereignty. I pause to watch it pass under the bridge and wonder why it has chosen to be alone.
When I pass the same spot with the kids later, there are no swans to be seen. Instead, the surface of the water is being stirred up by the boat club canoes that have since colonised the canal. Fittingly, given the battle cries the canoeists and their instructors are emitting, this time the backwash is frenetic. Let's hope peace returns soon.
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