Following yesterday’s report of 9 cygnets near Abingdon Lock, additional swan families have been spotted in Abingdon.

A swan family with 3 cygnets has been sighted near the town centre.

Another swan family with 5 cygnets was observed close to the marina.

There are currently 17 cygnets confirmed across these three locations in Abingdon.

The annual Swan Upping ceremony, where the official swan count takes place, is scheduled for July 19th. Unfortunately, I’ll be away that weekend. If you’re lucky enough to see the Swan Upping, I’d love to get photos.

The local swan family had 9 cygnets a month ago.

There were still 9 cygnets yesterday when we walked down the same waterway in Abingdon.

Downstream from Abingdon Lock, a new sand bank has been created from silt. The Canada Geese go there to stand and preen and that shows how shallow the water is over that area. There are buoys to warn boats but the area does not get dredged.

People walking through St Helens Churchyard, Margaret Brown Gardens, and the bottom of St Amand Drive may have noticed what appear to be silkworms dangling from bushes. However, I believe these are Box Tree Moth caterpillars, an invasive species from Asia.

Unlike silkworms, which can be beneficial, Box Tree Moth caterpillars are harmful. They spread webs round plants, devour leaves, and leave plants bare and brown. I could not see a single green leaf remaining on the bushes. In severe cases, they can even kill the bush.

BBC Gardener’s World has more about them and their treatment.

While walking along the River Thames in the countryside beyond Swift Ditch, I spotted my first ducklings of the year. They paddled close together behind their mother, forming a cohesive family unit.

On my way home, near the open-air pool on the Millstream, I saw a group of ducks engaged in what appeared to be mating behaviour. There were males crowding around a single female! She eventually broke free and took flight, with a couple of the males in pursuit.