Swans A-Swimming

WHAT a wonderful time of year to visit a lake. Back in England, we had several opportunities to visit a pond within walking distance from my childhood home. It is a place that holds many happy memories of climbing trees, picnicking on the beach, riding bikes and watching the ducks.

The waterfowl community here is remarkable. A great crested grebe swam in open water and an elegant grey heron watched from afar. Black-headed gulls circled overhead and a cormorant languished on a small island.

Then there were the more familiar water birds. Most striking were the swans - dozens of them. Some swimming nonchalantly around, others more inquisitive. We watched them climb in and out of the water, rest one foot on their back, feed at the water's edge and fly to the other side of the pond. A group of these large birds landing on water just a few yards ahead is an impressive experience! Canada and grey geese, mallards, coots and moorhens were all out in full force, many of them with babies in tow. From a little friend we learnt a new song and we sang it to the birds as they dined:


Dabbling Ducks
All the little ducks turn upside down, upside down, upside down,
All the little ducks turn upside down,
When they dabble at the bottom of the pond.

All the little tails go wiggle waggle wiggle,
wiggle waggle wiggle, wiggle waggle wiggle
All the little tails go wiggle waggle wiggle,
When they dabble at the bottom of the pond.

All the little beaks go snap, snap, snap,
Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap,
All the little beaks go snap, snap, snap,
When they dabble at the bottom of the pond.