At long last the eggs hatched. One hatched a day early and the cygnet 'chick' was hidden under the nesting adult's wing while the remaining eggs were kept warm. The nights had been cold and there was rain about but the nesting swan was up to it. Of special note in the picture above is the sharp horny point on each of the cygnets' beaks. We read that this sharp attachment was designed for forming a crack line to break out of the egg. This alone does seem to point to 'intelligent design' intervention as opposed to the chance of getting it right through evolution of the species. Peter has coupled together video clips spanning the last three days leading up to the hatching and swan family swimming across the wetland waters. This can be viewed HERE. The music is composed and written by Peter's brother Phil and one song sung by Peter's dad (RIP). A link to Phil's music can be reached HERE.
Were these feathers left there semi-attached for the little ones to play with?
OK. Sun is up. Time to show you around.
For people in Melbourne Metropolitan Region this event has aided the mental wellbeing of many locals. There isn't a shred of good news in the media and this kind of thing offers heart felt hope and a positive shared community experience of it. The weeks of waiting made us all somewhat anxious for this delightful outcome since some years ago a large rainstorm destroyed the eggs and nest of that year and devastated the hopes of many at the time. The pervading negativity made it doubly important that the cygnets arrived safely.
