Friday 13 July 2012

Ugly Ducklings

Cygnets are adorable when they're tiny, but you have to admit, they do go through a gawky adolescent stage that could be called ugly.


But at this stage they can be very entertaining as were these youngsters strolling with their parents in Musselburgh yesterday. You could hear the slap of their feet as they strode over the tarmac, away from the river.

Also saw hundreds of eider ducks around the mouth of the River Esk and over 100 lapwings at Musselburgh Lagoons. They were all too far away to be photographed so instead I just enjoyed the moment! I've not seen that many lapwings for ages, they've really declined recently and it was wonderful to see so many of them!

*****

Some of the crafters among you may be interested in the 'Grand European Tour' collage inspiration kit that I've just added to my Etsy shop

As ever, red text contains hyperlinks that take you to other webpages where you can find out more.

18 comments:

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

It is such homely stage they go through. I could hear their feet slapping the tarmac as I read that. I do love their feet.
xx

Karen M said...

Not ugly, adorable!

Cuby said...

Hans C has a lot to answer as cygnets are gawky but never ugly. Nice description of their feet on tarmac.

Ms Sparrow said...

I understand the basis of "The Ugly Duckling" story now. (I ordered "Sacred Elephant" on Amazon.)

BlueShell said...

oh...but they are cute!!! LOL...
xox
Bshell

Dartford Warbler said...

All teenagers go through that stage :-)

Good news about the lapwings. I haven`t seen a flock so big for years. We mostly have the odd pair nesting in marshy land around the New Forest.

Naquillity said...

they're adorable and appear to own the surroundings... so glad you were able to see so many lapwings and enjoy the moment. have a great night~

RoadBunner said...

Don't we all have that awkward stage :)

Anonymous said...

They do go through an ugly stage as the down starts to drop out and be replaced with feathers - but still gorgeous - lovely photos CGP :)

BlueShell said...

Hi again...Thank yo for visiting in such an important occasion of my life.25 years of a lovely wedding...Two years ago my husband had cancer...we thought we would never make it . But God was our Help...and I'm thankful...
As I thank you ance more for your tender words. Love Bshell

shoreacres said...

Awkward? Yes. Obviously in transition? Yes! But still cute, and appealing. I have two young blue jays who finally have shown up at my feeder, and if you think your cygnets are ugly - my goodness! There's nothing like a scrawny-necked, half-feathered bluejay to make a person laugh!

I didn't realize you have an Etsy shop. I'll keep an eye on it now! I have a list of UK crafters, artists and knitters I sometimes buy from - not for myself, but for gifts for friends "across the pond". It's ever so much more convenient!

ashok said...

you can call them ugly..but still they are cute!

NatureFootstep said...

nice shots showing reality.:)

eileeninmd said...

Love the pretty swans and youngins. I think they are cute. I would be thrilled to see all the lapwings. Great sighting and photos.

dosankodebbie said...

Babies of all species are so cute in their awkwardness. It seems people in all cultures are drawn to them. TV news programs in Japan looove to show images of ducklings or other baby birds following their mothers. It's standard fare every spring.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Juliet,

Love your photos and yes, they do go through an awkward stage before they turn into a graceful swan

Hugs
Carolyn

Carver said...

Fun shots. I have a weakness for ugly ducklings. They are gawky and cute at the same time.

Caroline Gill said...

I was away for a few days last week and am just catching up ... what extraordinary fluffy cygnets! Pleased you saw the Lapwings too ...