A PHOTOGRAPHER has captured baby cygnets, from their hatching to their first taste on the water.

Tracy Fletcher captured the adorable fluffy birds on the pond at Cae Ddol, Ruthin.

Rhyl Journal:

Mum with her new babies. Picture: Tracy Fletcher

Tracy has been keeping an eye on the swans, located at the pond, since she moved to the area five years ago.

She has followed the latest newborns since they hatched.

Eight hatched but two sadly died in the first few days.

Rhyl Journal:

The babies get the first taste on the water. Picture: Tracy Fletcher

Tracy said: “I go to the pond every day. I have been going for nearly five years.

Rhyl Journal:

A worn out baby. Picture: Tracy Fletcher

"It is a really special moment when they hatch, which is normally over two days, and waiting for that moment when mum brings them down from the island and that first dip in the water."

Tracy, who describes wildlife photography as 'one of her passions', added: "They are all thriving and all have little personalities.

"The dad is aged over 20 and is so amazing with the babies.

"Mum again is doing a fantastic job."

Five other babies, born in 2019, have since left the pond.

Rhyl Journal:

Hatching day. Picture: Tracy Fletcher

Cygnets stay with their parents until the spring of the following year after hatching. They are forced to leave if they do not do so of their own accord.

Tracy added: “At first they refused to leave home and the RSPCA were informed. The dad is very elderly.

Rhyl Journal:

Dad kicking one of the teenager out! Picture: Tracy Fletcher

“The RSPCA had to apply for a licence to move the five cygnets on but thank goodness, they flew off to pastures new."

Tracy snapped a fantastic photograph of the father after the babies moved on.

Rhyl Journal:

Dad celebrates! After the old cygnets leave home. Picture: Tracy Fletcher

“He did an incredible dance. I think he was celebrating,” she added.

"It was an absolute joy to watch."

"I took more than 800 photos over an hour-and-a-half as he splashed, preened and partied by himself in the middle of the pond.

"He was upside down, sliding on his side, and just having fun."