A lone swan glides across the water as it swims by, passing the sunbathing turtle on the way.
Usually the wintering flock rises to double figures, and at least one pair hangs around to raise a brood of cygnets.
Last winter there was very little sign of swans – down even from the handful the year before. Last spring there were two or three adults but no young. This may be the only bird this year. Numbers also seem down on the canal locally, though it’s possible I’m not seeing as many because I’m less mobile.