Swan Family day two
by Steve Gass
Title
Swan Family day two
Artist
Steve Gass
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Four newly hatched baby swans stick close to Mom in a small pond 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 (122)
Morris Finkelstein
Fabulous photograph, Steve! Congratulations on your Top Finish in the Baby Birds contest! F/L
Morris Finkelstein
Stunning photograph, Steve! Congratulations on your Top Finish in the Wild Babies contest! F/L
Morris Finkelstein
Revisiting this beautful close up photo of a mother Mute Swan with her young chicks, with great POV, pose, timing, and composition, Steve! F/L
Jennifer Jenson
Congratulations on your win in the Fives or Sixes Contest, Steve! Tender and adorable image!! L/F
Sarah Irland
Congratulations, Steve, on your 1st Place Win in the Fives and Sixes Contest for this beautiful photograph! Well Deserved. Voted.
Judi Dressler
Congrats on your 1st place win on the Fives and Sixes contest! Lovely and tender capture. l/f
Katie Keenan
Steve, Congratulations on your 1st place win on the Fives and Sixes photography contest! L/F/voted!
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