Test flights

AT the RSPB Greylake Nature Reserve recently, whilst searching for the spotted crake (and dipping out!) I was amused to see a family of mute swans going through a well rehearsed exercise.  On a small pond the youngsters lined up then did a short, low wing flapping run from one side to the other, swam around some reed-mace, then did the same thing over again - the parents dutifully followed.  This happened at least three times before they all settled down to some wing preening.  What made it interesting, as well as amusing, was the wonderful light reflecting on the water and the spray put up by their energetic routine.