Swans, Squirrels, and a Crow Picking a Fight With Mallard Ducks!

It was lovely and sunny this morning as I walked around Holmebrook Country Park.

The park looked really pretty, with the colours really popping. There was lots of wild garlic near the stream and a few bluebells.

There seemed to be a lot of squirrels about, with some coming quite close to me. I saw a couple of people with bags of birdseed and nuts, and as the squirrels didn’t appear to be afraid of people, I expect they get fed as well.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to bring various snacks with me when I go out walking to feed all the animals.

I spotted a swan on her nest. She was rolling her eggs around beneath her. They do this for various reasons, such as keeping the eggs at the same temperature, protecting them from predators if an egg has rolled out of place, or sometimes the mother will get rid of one if she realises it's not viable.

Her mate was very close by, keeping an eye on the proceedings.

I think it’s the first time I’ve witnessed a crow and a mallard duck having a bit of a set-to. The crow went looking for a fight, but the ducks had the last say (or quack), so the crow flew off! I was very lucky to get a photo, as it all happened very quickly.

It was a really enjoyable walk and a good way to start the day, seeing so much wildlife. I will go back again with some nuts for the squirrels and to check on the imminent hatching of the cygnets.