Swan Parade

Today was the annual Swan Parade. The swans that live in and around the river are brought out from their winter haven and parade down the road to their favourite sidewalk entrance to the river. (Okay, admittedly, they are sort of herded by humans. Strange as it might seem to you, their natural instinct is *not* to head towards the river, turn right, walk down the road 300m, turn left at the sidewalk and walk down to the river. )

I missed the event last year so it was a must see for me this weekend (despite fears I would see the swan who, last year, didn't really like me and sort of had something to say anytime I tried to walk by him on the path last year).

So, the parade consists of the county's bagpipe band* (because when you think of swans, you immediately think of bagpipes?) and this herd (flock? posse?) of swans waddling down the road, tripping over each other and trying to figure out a faster way to get to the water despite the hordes of people.

The most curious thing about the swan parade? It was led by a lone large white duck.