Swans -LBD
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Taken at Curborough Lakes, Lichfield
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The magic of the golden hour...
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The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species... wikipedia
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Taken on a cold winter day in Pa. Ice was forming around the lake, but the swans seemed oblivious. Could have watched them all day....
Swans and cygnets seen on our Winchester trip last year. Only just getting around to looking at some of these photos.
One last swan image, I am quite excited about this pair and hoping to be able to observe them with their family.
The Mute Swans are fluffing out their feathers as other swan groups approach as they establish nesting territory.
Swans preening on the River Avon Statford -Upon - Avon Warwickshire..
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Buckpool and Fens Pool Local Nature Reserve
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The Mute Swan is a large, all-white waterfowl native to Eurasia, widely recognized for its long, gracefully curved neck and a distinctive orange bill with a black knob at the base. Despite its name, it is not completely silent and produces hisses, snorts, and grunts, though it is less vocal than other swan species.
Size and Appearance:
Mute swans are among the largest flying birds. Adults have brilliant white plumage, black feet, and a prominent black knob (basal knob) on their orange bill, which is larger in males (cobs). When swimming, they hold their necks in an elegant 'S' shape, often with their wings slightly raised in a display known as "busking".
Habitat and Diet:
They are found in a variety of aquatic environments, including ponds, lakes, rivers, canals, estuaries, and sheltered coastal areas. Their diet primarily consists of submerged aquatic vegetation, which they reach using their long necks.
Behavior:
Mute swans form strong, long-lasting pair bonds and are known for their devotion to their offspring. They are highly territorial, especially during the breeding season, and will aggressively defend their nests and cygnets (young swans) from perceived threats, including humans and dogs.
Cygnets:
Young swans are typically covered in greyish-brown down (sometimes white, in a morph called "Polish swan") and have a dull, grey-black bill. They grow quickly, reaching near-adult size within three months, and attain full white plumage and the adult orange bill by their second year.
Lifespan:
In the wild, mute swans can live for over 20 years, with an average lifespan of around 10-11 years.
In Culture and Law:
The mute swan is significant in human culture. It is the national bird of Denmark and a symbol of love in many cultures due to its monogamous nature. It is also the subject of the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, "The Ugly Duckling".
In the UK, the British monarch retains the right to ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water, a law dating back to medieval times. This ownership is primarily exercised on certain stretches of the River Thames through the traditional annual ceremony of "Swan Upping," which now serves as a population health check.