Jacob and Penny Part 3

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17th January 2020: Jacob and Penny have built a new nest in a different location on the beach. They are using a wind-break fence as the back-drop to their nest. They have seven eggs that look very healthy. Jacob and Penny’s current cygnets: Cobie, Siggy and Janessa which are 4.5 months of age have been hanging around. Jacob has been quite forward with them to encourage them leave. While it seems tough, it is normal for grown cygnets to be moved on when there is a new clutch.

Seven beautiful eggs.
Current cygnets Janessa and Cobie.
Siggy.
Penny.
Penny shuffling the eggs.

20th January 2020: Jacob was on the nest today, while Penny was nearby. Penny decided to come over when she saw us.

Jacob on the nest.
Jacob.
Jacob.
Jacob on the nest with Penny keeping him company.
Jacob settled on the nest.

26th January 2020: Two eggs have mysteriously disappeared, leaving five eggs in the nest. Jacob and Penny were having turns in nesting on Australia Day. Penny was on the nest initially while Jacob was close by. Their cygnets: Cobie, Siggy and Janessa are now five-months of age and were also hanging around.

Jacob resting.
Penny on the nest.
Five eggs.
Cobie, Siggy and Janessa.
Siggy.
Penny on the nest, Jacob next to her.
Jacob and Penny.

28th January 2020: Both Jacob and Penny are doing well. It is nice to see their cygnets: Cobie, Siggy and Janessa have not been deterred by Jacob trying to keep them away from the nest. This will no doubt change when the eggs are nearing to hatch or hatch.

Cobie, Siggy and Janessa.
Cobie, Siggy and Janessa.
Cobie.
Jacob.
Jacob.
Penny on the nest.
Jacob and Penny.
Penny and the eggs.
Jacob and Penny.

31st January 2020: A very hot day at Paynesville with the temperature around 43 degrees. Jacob was on the nest and feeling the heat and humidity. Penny arrived for a changeover, giving Jacob the opportunity to have a refreshing splash in the lake.

Jacob on the nest.
Jacob on the nest.
The eggs!
Penny takes her turn to watch the eggs.
Penny on the nest.

5th February 2020: Penny on the nest with Jacob nearby, as are their cygnets.

Penny on the nest.
Penny on the nest.
Penny on the nest.
Five beautiful eggs.
Jacob.
Penny on the nest with Jacob nearby on the lake.
Siggy.
Janessa, Siggy and Cobie.
Janessa and Cobie.
Janessa and Cobie.

9th February 2020: Jacob and Penny have been diligent manning the nest in strict rotation. Jacob was nesting today and Penny was swimming on the lake. Their cygnets Cobie, Siggy and Janessa from last season are also keeping close by.

Janessa and Siggy.
Cobie.
Janessa, Siggy and Cobie.
Cobie.
The beautiful eggs.
Jacob on the nest.
Jacob on the nest.
Jacob on the nest.
Jacob on the nest.
Jacob on the nest.

15th February 2020: Jacob and Penny arranging a swap over. Initially Jacob was on the nest, Penny came in from the lake to take over.

Jacob on the nest.
Jacob.
Penny arrives for her rotation on the eggs.
Penny is now on the nest.
Jacob takes a cruise on the lake.
Jacob.
Jacob.

19th February 2020: Exciting news Jacob and Penny had four cygnets hatch late today. We did not want to disturb the couple at night so limited photography (note we used a zoom lense). Will take photographs in the next day or so.

Penny with her just hatched cygnets.
A glimpse of the cygnets.

21st February 2020: We can confirm Jacob and Penny had four cygnets hatch on 19th February 2020. There is an unhatched egg which still requires further incubation. Jacob and Penny have already had their babies swim on the edge of the lake! The cygnets have been named Fluffy, Gracie, Nessie and Signet (the names were drawn from a novel written by Serene Conneeley “The Swan Maiden” about the adventures of Jacob and Penny and their cygnets).

Jacob and Penny with their cygnets: Fluffy, Gracie, Nessie and Signet. Amazing the cygnets are already on the water.
Jacob with his family.
Jacob and Penny are very proud of their family.
Jacob.