I’ve just been reading an article on MSN about the Swans which have arrived here a tad earlier than usual, which apparently, herald a premature start of Winter.

Fine, I accept that – but what has triggered my mind, is wondering just how, birds of all migratory species, actually know, when to begin their travels . . .

Yes I know, that it is instinct, spurring them on – but do they have a kind of ‘discussion’  amongst themselves the night before while in the midst of their twilight song-a kind of “Okay, fellow whatevers, we leave at dawn”, scenario?

Do they have a ‘leader’ to co-ordinate the forthcoming travelling plans?

What if one of them has a bad foot – are they able to explain to him/her in charge – “don’t mind me, I’ll follow you lot on, once this blinking sprain gets better”?

Just wondering . . . . . .