Oh wow, Sjoerd, that is a treat! The babies look so fuzzy! You even captured the HISSING! But seems when you stood your ground, the parent figured you were OK after all. Ha. So, are the swans native there? I see them periodically when sailing in the Chesapeake Bay but they were introduced here for "ornamental purposes." Now there is much controversy about how to keep their numbers under control as too many of them cause problems because they tend to pull the Bay grasses out by the roots. (sigh). It is always a balancing act with the Bay. Anyway, that is a perfect start to my day. Thanks! I watched it several times. I think I'll share it with my kids at school today too.
I'm pretty chuffed that it worked for you now...and that you liked it. The swans are migratory here. They come in the spring, mate and raise their young, then leave in the fall. I can imagine that your kids might like it. It seems that many children like wild animals, I recall when I was very young I was so interested in all typs of insects, mammals...well, all living things really. It's an interest that I have never lost. Here is one more of the swans and their cygnets. They had taken up residence on a plot that in renovation.
They are a pleasure to watch. I am struck by the cohesive little family unit they are. Are there any predators? For the ducks around here, snapping turtles are a big risk for the ducklings when in the water. Some ducks hatch the ducklings in someone's yard a block or more from the creek so their first walk to the water can be treacherous too. Our local fire dept will give them an "escort" if we alert them, but usually the duck-mama will walk the ducklings down by herself when no one is looking. Personally, I find it completely nerve wracking when they nest in my yard or my neighbors as I am constantly worrying about them. I couldn't show the vid to the kids -- that computer is not set up with the proper software and because of all the filters I can't install it. So I will have to bring mine from home and let them see it. I showed them the photos though and they liked them. The live in an extreme urban setting -- so little exposure to the Earth. They think dirt is dirty -- can you imagine? They can't believe it if I will pick up a bug outside to look at it. Funny.
Well yes, Daisy--there are predaters: weasels, sparrow hawks, rats and blue herons to name a few...having said that, the parents are soi watchful and ferocious that most of the cygnets do survive, I do notice that sometimes there is one less from time to time--and I never know for sure what got them. Oh yes--and there is a feral cal that slinks about the lottie complex. I have seen his footprints from time to time in soft compost or in the snow. It's funny how urban kids are about things like dirt 'n bugs. I grew up in the city but always enjoyed it more when I was allowed to go and stay at my grandparent's farm in the summer. Barns, fields and streams were so very interesting to me.
Sjoerd ....... Get those cameras ready.....I never seen a baby swan. I did see live ones when we traveled out to Western USa.. I live in Eastern. Those photos are white as snow........ Do they eat swan or not? b
Hi B, There were some people who ate swans during the time of WW II, but not many these days as far as I know. I do not know of anyone personally.
I just wondered...... I dont like wild meat at all. Never eat wild life here..... Just wild berrys >LOL The Swans are so pure looking . Wonder how they stay clean? I was messing with the lawn mower today, and I looked like a grease monkey.....Had to bath. b
Well, I reckon that those swans preen alot to keep clean...but they can't keep their long necks clean. At a certain point their necks get stained from sticking their heads underwater to feed. So you looked like a grease monkey--I would have loved to have seen THAT! (( ))
Sjoerd; ha ha ha Hubby was not here an I attempted it on my own. There was a large metal rod tangled aroung the blades under my mower......Gees 2 blades there. I got my long arms in ther and had to feel the problem .....And of course no machine is without grease here..LOL b
