The other weekend I went out for a walk and came across a lake with some swans on it so I couldn't resist taking some photographs of them. On the whole the swans were quite obliging but weren't really into posing and were more into preening and feeding. I was still quite pleased with some of the resulting photos though.The photo's show Mute Swans and it was once the belief that upon death the otherwise silent Swan would sing beautifully - hence the phrase swan song. In the UK it is a criminal offence to harm a swan and to interfere with nesting swans in any way. It is also a fact that all Mute swans in the UK are owned by the Queen, though she only exercises her prerogative right to them on the River Thames.
Photographing wild birds was quite a challenge as they are unpredictable, but I enjoyed it. It makes getting the good shots very satisfying. I liked the interaction between the two swans in the first photo. The second photo is of a swan who was busily feeding and I caught him/her just as they raised their head so you can still see the water running from their beak. Happy with the shots I had taken I went on my way.
17 comments:
Oh, those really are lovely shots. It looks as if they're quite content to pose for you.
~S
I love swans... we don't have them here, or I just haven't found them, but in New York City I saw a family with three gray babies. What are the babies called?
These pictures are achingly beautiful. I can just see you gently working your way around them as you thoughtfully composed each image.
I am so glad your mom's better. The tone of your last entry struck home with me: it's a child's place to be concerned for a parent's welfare when he/she gets sick. I could feel your concern in your words, and wish I could have shared some of my own feelings from my own experiences with my dad.
Going forward, if I can do that in any way, please never feel shy to call on me.
Wonderful photos B-K. We do have white swans in Australia but the most common form of swans are black swans. They too are beautiful but I don't like them when they get a little too close for comfort, if you know what I mean. Those necks!!! It's like they can reach out and peck you in the eye. (Yep, a phobia of mine! Heehee)
The swans are beautiful - swans in New Zealand and Australia are black, apart from a few imported ornamental ones. I also enjoyed the photos of Bath as I have ancestors from there. Originally they were from a small village near Bath, called Freshford. I do hope things get a bit easier for you soon.
Michele sent me.
Baby swans are called Cygnets. When they are babies they are grey and fluffy, with short necks, and they grow up to be this beautiful graceful creature. Hence the fairy tale of the Ugly Duckling.
As some of my visitors have pointed out, swans are black in the southern hemisphere and white in the northern hemisphere!
Very glad your mother is on the mend and hope you get the medication sorted. it's good she still has a sense of humour - goodness knows we all need one! I hope things get better and better for you. You are brave with the swans, we used to have a cottage on the Leeds Liverpool canal and they can be very fierce at nesting times. Do you suppose Her Maj eats them?
Mighty sweet pictures, B-K! Love those Swans....I would love to see more of the Swans, too! I got a picture or two of a group of birds in Regents Park when I was in England....One or two of a Black Swan...
I did not know the history about the Swans in England...I think it is WONDERFUL that they are protected in that way.
These are nice shots. And I learned something new as well. I especially like the second shot with the water in motion. I tried to photograph ducks and geese before and they rarely ever cooperate.
Michele sent me,
Mike
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I love your photos of the swans. I tooks some pictures of swans last weekend, but they were at a cemetery owned by the funeral home - not nearly as interesting as the queen's.
I will be back to visit - I love photos!
They are beautiful and graceful. I saw some in Zurich, but they refused to pose as yours did!
what beautiful swans, I know how challenging it can be to photograph wildlife.
My kids & I will be in Boston in 2 weeks & I might have to force them to take a ride on the Swan Boats there so I can take a picture of them once again. They were truly unimpressed with them the last time we went, I guess it's something you have to grow up with to love.
Here from Micheles.
Those are stunning photos!! I love how the water looks in the first one, too.
Thanks for sharing them. I'm inspired to go out and use my XTi now!
Here from Michele's today!
Those photos are awesome, the first one their necks are heart shaped---that is so pretty.
I do hope that you are doing ok, I know that you've been through quite a bit these past few months. (Thanks for your words of encouragement)
Very pretty Bobkat.
Is there any creature more graceful than a swan? Your photos do them justice.
I agree with carmi's high praise.
Thanks for the visit, dear B-K....I love that room, too....It feels incredibly cozy in there and I am surrounded by wonderful friends....!
Beautiful photos! And I learned something, where the phrase swan song comes from.
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