christabel's artworks says:
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Epitome of elegance.
The Swan has inspired poets, artists, religious writers, musicians and dancers throughout the world. Tales, myths and legends linking us with it abound.
I'm not alone in finding its beauty irresistible.
"In the United Kingdom there is a popular belief that all swans are the property of the reigning Monarch... wikipedia 'Swan'".
Reading on, it's not strictly true, but it makes me proud to be an eccentric and contrary Brit ;-)
This portrait of the Mute Swan by Alan (lightbox2008) captures everything I love about them... what other creature could quaff water from a lake with such poise and dignity?
christabel's artworks says:
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Whilst the adult Swan might be considered the pinnacle of avian poise and charm, the characteristics are undeniably evident in this debonair wee chick, too.
As I child, I didn't want a Swan as a pet, I wanted an egg-laying hen with dozens of chickens... pester-power eventually granted me a beautiful budgie (much more acceptable to the neighbours!) who graced us with his chatter and friendship for 15 years.
Seeing lellis's wonderful portrait 'Mae?' ('Mom?') rekindled my old yearning to collect eggs from under bushes whilst avoiding chicks underfoot, and to be greeted in the mornings by the crowing of a cockerel rather than the alarm clock :-)
christabel's artworks says:
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A Heron with Attitude :-)
I love everything about this amazing capture.
It reminds me of the numerous times I've been caught looking less-than-my-best, and cringeing with embarrassment. There's a lesson to be learned from this magnificent heron, whose expression seems to say "So??? A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!".
A big 'Hats Off' to dbuk2, for an extraordinary capture of the secret world of avian ablutions!!!
christabel's artworks says:
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No bird collection would be complete without a robin and it was really hard to choose one, from my many Favorite super shots, to include in the Gallery. This wee fellow won because he looks just like the robin in my chilly Scottish garden in winter - puffed up to twice his normal size by his own personal feather duvet.
Earlyalan90 has given us not only a beautiful robin, but has also managed to capture the feel of winter, and the Christmas season, in this lovely portrait.
christabel's artworks says:
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The magic of flight - birds doing what birds do best.
The light reflecting off glistening plumage is breathtaking in itself. The moon hanging like a lantern in the background acts as a reminder to me of the wonder and mystery of migration; such small creatures in such a big sky. It underlines the enormity of the task this family group will undertake, in order to travel to the shelter of their winter feeding grounds and is a testament to the inner strength which propels them successfully to their destination.
A real inspiration - this is one I wish I'd the talent to have taken myself!!!
See this image and the description on rohaberl's photostream for more details of the tens of thousands of cranes which pass through the village of Linum, Germany, each autumn.
christabel's artworks says:
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A success story.
Out on the town, wearing his jewel-like ruff of irridescent neck feathers, the urban pigeon is an impressive sight.
In this brilliant composition st.hanshaugenkru has captured the essence of its success - an adaptable and tough bird able to survive and thrive in a man made environment. Yet there seems to be a tell-tale glint of wistfullness in its penetrating gaze. The picture speaks of a much bigger and more complex story.
see my comments on 'Thinking of you', elsewhere in this Gallery, for details of research into pigeon intelligence.
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