Through My Lens..... "Pay Attention, Be Astonished, Tell About It" ~ Mary Oliver
Through My Lens..... "Pay Attention, Be Astonished, Tell About It" ~ Mary Oliver
Swans have been admired by humans since ancient times, appearing in Native American Shamanic legends, German, Greek and Celtic mythology, and celebrated in such lovely dances as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
They are symbols of light, love, intuition, inspiration and self transformation.
To sit with, observe and just be in their presence, one can readily appreciate how they they are so admired.
All the cygnets were napping in the early morning sun. Then, as if on signal, they began to wake, this little one being the first.
Swans in general are admired for their grace and elegance. Trumpeter Swans are no exception. These magnificent birds, the largest waterfowl in North America can live up to twenty four years in the wild.
This particular family encounters humans on a regular basis, and seem quite undisturbed. One could be left with the mistaken impression they are not aggressive. As with any wild creature, their space must be respected, as well as their ability to defend their space and family.
The young Trumpeter cygnets explore their environment, learning how to feed themselves. Although their parents don’t feed them directly, they will paddle their large webbed feet to loosen roots and disturb insects. The cygnets gather closely to take advantage of the easily foraged food.
Father Trumpeter Swan keeps a close eye on his family. Effective parents, Trumpeter Swans will fend off Snapping Turtles by jumping on the turtles’ back and stomping. The turtle will retreat into its’ shell, and after being harassed enough, will retreat to deeper water. The Snapping Turtle is a significant predator of young cygnets.
Father Trumpeter Swan….K09 to the biologists, is a most protective yet generous guardian. I would take my chair, set up my gear and visit with him and his family. Sitting quietly, I was able to remain close to the family, acknowledging the privilege I was afforded. The Swans, when relaxed spend a great deal of time preening their beautiful feathers. This grooming spreads specialized oils so the feathers remain waterproof.
I had my lens focussed on father, when I saw this image… a magical moment, peering under his strong wing, deep into the depths of his soft feathers.
How do they see us? What do you think they see…from a Swan’s Perspective?
Rest….The place of peace, tranquility and restoration.
In the early fall, the cygnets are the same size as their parents, but still have stone gray feathers.
Very young Trumpeter cygnets tend to cluster together making it easier for the adults to protect them. This particular family had one rogue cygnet….not unlike most human families I suspect.
Five of the six cygnets remain close to their parent. One was very brave, often venturing off by itself.
Father Trumpeter gets some rest……sort of. The Swans rest pondside, out of reach of Snapping Turtles. There is always one adult on guard, especially when the cygnets are young.
Trumpeters appear to enjoy bathing in icy water. Their beautiful feathers are so well adapted to repel water and insulate them against bitterly cold temperutures.
Generally, Trumpeter Swans mate for life. Early spring signals courting behaviour, even amongst mated pairs.
The Trumpeter Swans bathe vigorously in the frigid water. Feather care is of utmost importance in maintaining their strength and waterproof properties. The swans appear to enjoy these chilly baths.
“Did you too see it, all night on the black river?
Did you see it in the morning, rising into the silvery air -
An armful of white blossoms…….”
From “The Swan” ~ Mary Oliver
The Trumpeter Swan cygnets at this age are the same size as their parents. They continue to stay close to and nestle with each other.
“Sympathy with nature is an evidence of perfect health. You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind”
~Henry David Thoreau
Mother Trumpeter Swan guides and protects her cygnets.
The Swan family glides in to view
The Trumpeter adults surround their young, responding to to a disturbance unseen to me. The cygnets obediently huddle closely for protection. Mother Trumpeter is particularly protective.
K09 bold leads his cygnets around the pond searching for food.
K09 does a victory lap after he successfully chased all the Canada Geese off his pond. He has staked out his territory!
Although it was very early and very cold, it appears there is a conflict to be settled. The power and strength of the Trumpeter Swan is most impressive
On a cold February morning, the Trumpeter Swans were snoozing, all snuggled into their down.
When I arrived at Sunrise, the Trumpeters were snuggled into their feathers, covered in ice crystals. They seemed to be waiting for the sun to rise.
Trumpeter Swans, who mate for life, are excellent parents and guardians. The cygnets stay with the parents for the winter following their hatching. There comes a time when the adults insist the young birds leave the family unit, making room for the next generation.
"The Sun rises like a rosy plum. Birds, floating in the water turn to watch. Sometimes, also, or so it seems, does the wind."
~Mary Oliver
From Habits, Differences and The Light That Abides.