Haibun: Sanctuary

swans, grown up cygnets and mallard ducks in the snow-flanked river

The river bank and leafless trees are heavy with snow. Mallards, swans and cygnets mingle in the shallows. The sun is higher in the sky, her glow a little warmer. For nine months, this part of the river has been the cygnets’ home, their sanctuary. First there were seven. One of them, bright and brave, flew the nest nine weeks ago. Soon the remaining six will spread their wings to begin their own adventure.

winter wind
a flock of geese
stretches the sky

© Xenia Tran

swan parents with their cygnets by the snow-covered bank of the river
close up shot of three fully grown cygnets by a snow-covered river bank

These are the last images I have from the remaining cygnets. They were chased away by their parents the following day and encouraged to make their own way in the world. It’s been a joy watching them hatch, grow and develop. We wish them all a healthy and happy long life in the Highlands.

You can read about the first cygnet leaving the nest in last year’s post Into the World.

With love from Xenia xxx

Photographs by Xenia Tran, edited in lr.

Camera: Canon Powershot SX60 HS, Settings: f/5 – 1/250 s – ISO 200, f/5.6 – 1/800 – ISO 400 and f/6.5 – 1/400 s – ISO 400.

Friendly Friday: Stay in Your Comfort Zone

Rag Tag Daily Prompt: Sanctuary

Author: Tranature - quiet moments in nature

The stories, poems and photographs on Tranature are the original creative work of Xenia Tran, inspired by the natural surroundings of the Scottish Highlands.

22 thoughts on “Haibun: Sanctuary”

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words 💜 I feel a bit sad too, it was a joy to see them learn and grow. Thankfully they had a great start in life with two wonderful parents 🙂💖 xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. So happy the cygnets have had such a wonderful place to grow, healthy and about to make their own way, on the other hand it’s sad when they’re ready to leave. I hope they’ll soon have their own families to love and care for 💖 Beautiful photos and words, Xenia 🦢xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words dear Cathy 💜 I wish them well and hope they will continue the family trait of giving their own offspring such a loving start in life. Hope you are having a great day and much love to you and Finn from all of us here 🤗💖🐕 xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.