Cute mute swan mum gives babies a ride (From Bournemouth Echo)

Cute mute swan mum gives babies a ride

8:39am Wednesday 5th August 2009

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A Bournemouth man has caught on camera the moment a doting mother swan gave her baby cygnets a piggy-back ride.

Her six newborn swans jumped on her back for the ready-made swan boat ride after getting too tired of playing in their pond.

The mute swan happily spread her wings to let the little ones scramble aboard, before tucking them back protectively over their heads and to stop them falling off.

After checking the little grey fluffballs were all present and correct, she glided serenely down the pond to show them the sights.

She even kept an eye on her wriggling babies, poking her head round to keep them in line.

The young family and their reflections were caught on camera by tourist Richard Meston during a visit to the Bicton Park Botanical Gardens near Sidmouth, Devon.

Have you seen our hobbies nest camera live from the New Forest? Watch the chicks at bournemouthecho.co.uk/hobbies