Upping

Our local swans have been a bit quiet and subdued the last few days. One of the cygnets now sports a shiny new leg ring.  I think they've been upped. Have a look at this link for great pictures from this week's official swan-upping here on The Thames, accimplished by Her Majesty's Royal Swan Marker and members of two ancient guilds of the City of London.

 

Each year I mean to get in touch to volunteer and help, but then I remember how hard the rowing is, and how hissy the swans are when surrounded by the skiffs. Think I'll stick to feeding our local brood, pictured below.