Over the last few weeks, we have watched our little swan family slowly begin the new phases in each of their lives. Whilst it can feel sad, it is also a celebration of the life of young Cyril who is now strong enough and equipped with enough skills to begin to make it in the adult world. It is also an endorsement of success for the young parents who, initially, encountered so many problems in nest building and egg laying.
Journal entry:
12th March, Saturday
“Last night I lay awake listening to the rain drum on the cabin roof.
Night-time is not a good time to think things through.
The shadows grow too dark and too large
The dressing gown hanging on the hook can too easily transform into a monster.
I could imagine the circles made by the rain on the dark waters beside me
And the hunched figures of ducks, heads tucked beneath wings one eye open.
And that, for me, made the difference.”
Episode Information:
Please go to the noswpod website for recent photographs of Cyril.
In this episode I refer to the following books:
Malcolm Schuyl’s The Swan: A natural history published (2012) by Merlin Unwin Books. This is probably the most authoritative book on the subject and is accompanied by some wonderful photography.
Simon Barns quirky but indispensable A Bad Birdwatcher’s Companion (2005) published by Short Books. The audio book is excellent, entertaining, lavishly produced and offering samples of each bird call too!
More information about Nighttime on Still Waters
You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon.
General Details
In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org.
Two-stroke narrowboat engine recorded by 'James
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Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.
For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters
You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.