Mum's the word: The fluffy grey cygnets take refuge under their mother's wings
Graceful and elegant, the majestic swan has come to symbolise the very monarch that protects it.
The Queen's birds are the epitome of nobility as they glide through water, their heads held high on the end of their long and resplendently-curved necks.
However here, in these astonishingly intimate photographs captured by semi-professional photographer Grant Auton, the secret life of swans is laid bare.
A touching and heart-warming side to the resplendent swan is revealed as two parents lovingly care for their cygnets.
Peek-a-boo: A tiny chick pops out of its mother's plumage in a remarkably intimate portrait of the secret life of swans
Grant took the pictures near his home in Andover, in Hampshire, and the images give a unique insight into the moment the graceful birds rarely allow humans to see.
The 47-year-old was given special access to the swans at Rooksbury Mill nature reserve, near his home, over a number of days allowing him to form a bond with the birds who then let him see them when they'd normally hide away.
Ripple effect: As the adult swan twists its long neck to clean under its feathers, its young copies the move
Grant, who was a sales director at a barcoding company until January, says the beautiful birds have always held a fascination for him.
He said: 'I love watching swans, they're so graceful. I've tried to encapsulate a special moment with them.
'So much wildlife photography is just a snap, I wanted to get an intimate moment with them.
Rear view: The graceful swan is shown in all its glory as it glides through the water, barely causing a ripple
'It's really great being able to see these wonderful moments they share.' Grant feels watching the swans is the perfect way to unwind after a hard day at work, and will continue to head down to the park as often as he can.
'My photography is my get away. Heading down to the quietness of the lake is the perfect way to unwind, it's the perfect tonic after work.'
source: dailymail
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