Five cygnets that hatched earlier this year at the waterfowl aviary on Brunswick Place have now been released into the Brook (Dawlish Water).

They were taken as eggs from the nest at Tuck's Plot and raised in the aviary after their father was killed by a dog in February.

Waterfowl Warden Steve said: "They're all doing alright at the moment. The older birds don't seem to be bothering them.

"They're going on the water, and they're coming back on the grass next to the aviary. All's going alright with that at the minute, they're learning where to go. 

The five cygnets getting some shut-eye (Nub News, Will Goddard)

"They've definitely grown, all they've done is eat while up in the aviary!"

New black swan 'Bert'

A new adult male black swan called Bert was introduced to Dawlish in March.  

It was hoped that he would pair up with the adult female swan whose mate was killed by the dog as mentioned above. 

Steve added: "Bert's alright, he's hanging around now with the other three adults, he's been accepted in the gang. No signs as yet [of him pairing up with the female swan], but you've got to give him time. It'll happen when it happens."

Three adult black swans in the Brook (Nub News, Will Goddard)

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