Riding on the Father's back

Swan and cynets from 'Creative Commons'

When young cygnets are first hatched, the mother remains on the nest to incubate the other eggs. The young chicks who hatch first keep warm by riding on their father's back.

They are safe in from the cold, stormy waters in the strong wings of the father. The father guides them safely through the flotsam and jetsam of the river, avoiding the weeds that might entangle them and keeping them safe from other river predators.