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Prepared for Takeoff

Swans are fun to watch when they are preparing for flight. They are very heavy-bodied birds, and don't just spring into flight from the water. They "run" on the water, usually with a lot of splashing. This picture shows "lift off", after which, he will run in the shallow water, wings raised until it's speed and wings generate enough lift.

 

Seen on Wildwing Lake, Kensington Metropark, Michigan

 

First place award: Photography for Recreation, monthly contest, January 2012

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Uploaded on November 15, 2011
Taken on October 6, 2011