Juvenile mute swans out for a Boxing Day swim on the Grand Union Canal.
These ugly ducklings are glancing at their reflections in the water, wondering why they aren't beautiful swans. Well, they should just wait another few months; meanwhile they are learning valuable life lessons.
These are probably mute swan cygnets. No, they are not quiet—they hissed loudly at the dog, who told them she was not interested in chasing them anyway, so why bother?
We were taking our Annual Boxing Day Walk, at Denham Country Park not far from London. The Grand Union Canal and the Misbourne and Colne rivers flow through the park, plus there are several lakes and ponds. A perfect place for swans.
You might want to read the story of The Ugly Duckling. I found it quite uplifting.
