Swan babies day two
by Steve Gass
Title
Swan babies day two
Artist
Steve Gass
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Two day old baby mute swans stay close to Mom while still very small and unsure of themselves. This family was at River Glen Golf Course in Fishers, Indiana. Mute swans (Cygnus olor) are amazing to watch when they are nesting, the male can be very aggressive in defense of the nest. They are often seen chasing nosy geese away from their turf. They can be very territorial, often using the same nest year after year. They repair it in the spring and the cycle starts over again. The incubation period is stated as 36 days, although I believe the weather has something to do with that also. Not native to North America, they are in many states now and are beautiful to observe. They often will only have one pair on a small pond as they are very defensive when with their young. They lay an average of four eggs, but life is tough for the young (Cygnets), there are predators on the ground such as coyotes and other large mammals. Under the water they are a target for large fish and snapping turtles. They are not capable of flight for 120 - 150 days, so the whole family has to be vigilant until they can at least fly away. They are amazing to watch when they take to the air, their wings make a loud drumming sound as they take off.
Uploaded
June 16th, 2015
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Comments (65)
Gary F Richards
Spectacular Swan Babies Day Two composition, lighting, shading, excellent colors and artwork! F/L voted
Sarah Irland
What a beautiful photograph, Steve! It is that time of year - the Swan Families are so fun to watch.
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #8 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
Christopher James
Congratulation.....your wonderful work has been featured in the 1000 Views on 1 Image Group l/f/tw
Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your marvelous art has been featured on the Home Page of the ABC Group. This art has been selected from the ABC Group's themed week M IS FOR Mother Nature!! You are invited to add this to the features archive discussion!
Asbed Iskedjian
The chicks beautifully framed by their Mother, lovely photography Steve. Likes + Favorites.
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