Cygnets, Blue Dragonfly,Roses, Goats and a Sad Postscript...

Two days after I photographed the Cygnets, I learned they had *mysteriously disappeared*....both of them.   I don't know if they were taken by Raccoons or by *Human Cretins*.. both are possibilities.  I worry about Blanche and Blue Boy...because as those of you who care deeply about animals know, they are subject to depression...just like us.

True Harbingers of Spring...against all odds, Blanche and Blue Boy had two Cygnets.  (Their *Caretakers* removed/destroyed four eggs and replaced them with fake ones...BUT, Blanche fooled these Cretins and laid two more!)

Enroute to *My* Swans, I encountered the Ecological Lawnmowers again atop the Lyon Street Steps!

Also saw (and finally photographed after YEARS of trying)...a Blue Dragonfly!

Make a Wish....or three!

May is coming along beautifully!    I hope it is for all of you too!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Animal Wednesday - Swan Lake

I'm posting this a bit early as tomorrow will be a busy day....


Last week, just back from NY, I heard that the two *Resident Swans*, who live in the Palace of Fine Arts Lake, (and whose photographs I took a few weeks back - not knowing they were expecting), became the proud parents of six Cygnets (baby Swans).  We in SF don't have many Swans - let alone babies....so, this past weekend, I hiked down with my camera, hoping to *meet* them.

I circled the lake, no Swans in sight....  it was early though.....so I kept strolling, hoping.....and suddenly, I heard some gentle *honks*...... Papa appeared....and one by one, the Cygnets descended into the water...

Mama came at the end....making sure everyone was there!

Okay......everybody in?  Let's go....

The babies are always varying shades of grey and fuzzy beyond belief. After their first year, they begin to turn snowy white.

The parents continued to make comforting honking sounds and the babies *peeped - non-stop* rather like Ducklings or Goslings...

The Beautiful Family *Flotilla*

Drifting out into the centre of the Lake.....time for breakfast!

Ummm...found some delicious reeds to nibble!

Aren't they beautiful!

HAW!  

Dear friends, on Thursday, SF Opera rehearsals begin....yes....(sorry for those of you who don't like my Operatic Posts).... time to report on all the goings-on's backstage for our three Summer Operas:

1. *Nixon in China*....(yes, this is a real opera)

2. *Attila*

3. *The Magic Flute

 If you are having a stressful day....just think about those Swans......

Love,

♥ Robin ♥