After doing a few posts on the swans we have over-wintering with us in the U.K. I thought it only fair to do one on our more familiar swan, the Mute Swan.
One of our largest birds, graceful, serene, but can also be fairly aggressive if you get too close to one with young. It is mostly silent, hence the name, but does make a loud hiss when angry and other snorting sounds. You can be alerted to one (or two) flying overhead by a loud, throbbing `waou waou` noise made by their wings. They tend to mate for life and can live for over 20 years.
A truly beautiful bird which, contrary to common folk lore, cannot break your arm!
One of my favourite birds and one that far too many folks take for granted. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks John,
DeleteYes, a lovely bird that I never tire of seeing!
J
There's something about the graceful way that Swans move that makes them one of the best loved of birds (along with the Robin).
ReplyDeleteThanks to you I can identify a few Swans now!
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Bazza,
DeleteI think it`s the fact that we all know what a Swan is that helps us love them so.
I am glad that I can reciprocate in some way, you teach me about art and I hope I can help a bit with birds!
J
Lovely image John.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike, too kind!
DeleteJ
Love the composition of this shot. No matter how common the swan, they're always lovely to watch.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteThank you. It `oozes` peace and tranquillity, sorely needed in todays` world.
J
They are wonderful birds John...a lovely image.
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrew, too kind.
DeleteJ
Hi John...I think they a beautiful bird, and always look so elegant,but I am sure like most ducks,geese,and humans they can put up a fuss when it comes to protecing the family!!
ReplyDeleteGlad the folk lore isn't true ..lol..!!
Grace
Hi Grace,
DeleteYes, but I wouldn`t like to mess with a male Mute Swan, I should think they could do some damage, even though it wouldn`t be a broken arm! ;)
J
Beautiful shot, John! I like the brown tones of the grasses, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you BJK,a true compliment!
DeleteJ
What a lovely, serene bird!
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy,
DeleteYes, a beautiful, peaceful bird.
J
A lovely photos, John, the Mute Swan is a beautiful bird and so graceful. It is all too easy to overlook the birds we see most often, I try very hard not to do that especially remembering how thrilled I was a year or so ago to see a House Sparrow in the garden after a long absence where previously there had been so many for so long that I barely looked at them.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan,
DeleteThank you. It is all to easy to take things for granted, although I, like you got very excited last year when I had a House Sparrow in the garden for all of two minutes!
J