The Whooper Swans have returned to Loch Davan. I don't know when they arrived, but it can't have been long ago. A dozen or so sat on their reflections on the smooth steel grey water of the loch. They were far enough out towards the middle not to be bothered by my presence, but I knew they were aware of me, standing on the elevated spur of ancient pine that juts out over the north shore. There was no wind, and a soft rain fell gently from the unbroken cloud. Away to the south, Mount Keen wore its first snows of the winter. Perhaps the Whoopers had brought it with them from Iceland.
Round the reedy shore, small numbers of ducks were busy. Wigeon whistled to each other, Mallards laughed inanely at nothing, and Tufted Ducks slipped quietly beneath the surface to escape the commotion. The swans stayed aloof from all the clamour. Some dozed, others preened, and always one or two were watchful, necks held aloft and heads turning to scan for danger. Whenever the duck talk faltered, I could listen to the calming conversation of the swans.
I stood there, leaning on the rough pine, soft moss under my feet, until darkness began to gather, and the yellow reflections of the birches on the far shore faded. And all the time, the swans spoke softly to me, sending their words of comfort across the stillness of time.
Round the reedy shore, small numbers of ducks were busy. Wigeon whistled to each other, Mallards laughed inanely at nothing, and Tufted Ducks slipped quietly beneath the surface to escape the commotion. The swans stayed aloof from all the clamour. Some dozed, others preened, and always one or two were watchful, necks held aloft and heads turning to scan for danger. Whenever the duck talk faltered, I could listen to the calming conversation of the swans.
I stood there, leaning on the rough pine, soft moss under my feet, until darkness began to gather, and the yellow reflections of the birches on the far shore faded. And all the time, the swans spoke softly to me, sending their words of comfort across the stillness of time.