A more vigorous part of the courtship ritual!

Action packed displays by the male swans were often to be seen. Either just showing off or chasing off the competition.

With the spring sunshine at Carlingwark Loch in Castle Douglas, they were in fine form. The light just catches the water droplets as this swan bears down on some competition.

Location: Carlingwark Loch, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway

Photographer: Alwyn Howes