One of the delights of living in Cheshire is the beautiful countryside and wildlife all around us.
By Alan Bailey
And is there anything more adorable than a young cygnet?
A cob and pen usually attempt to mate for life.
By Ryan Mottram
The nest is a huge mound of material, normally dried grasses and assorted vegetation, sticks and rushes, constructed at the water's edge.
The nest is built by the female, while the male supplies the materials.
By Ryan Mottram
The female lays up to seven eggs between late April and early May. Both sexes incubate the eggs, which hatch after 35-41 days.
The young birds sometimes ride on their parents' backs and remain with the adult birds for four or five months.
By Alan Bailey
Cygnets are generally dingy brown above and whitish below.
According to the RSPB, the oldest ringed wild mute swan was 15 years old.
By Fiona Silker
Guardian Camera Club members have been taking an array of pictures of the little feathered creatures, and here is a selection.
If you would like to join the camera club, visit facebook.com/groups/guardiancameraclub/ or email your picture to carla.flynn@nqnw.co.uk
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