As always, I am drawn to a preening bird. They always catch my eye because there is so much activity and opportunity for a good shot. Today I am sharing a moment with a Male Mute Swan. He is enormous [ can reach lengths of over 1.5 m (60 inches) and weigh over 15 kg (33 pounds). Their wingspans can be almost 3 m (10 ft)] and he is gorgeous. If you look at the shots where his wings are spread you can see the size of the bones in his wings ... they are as big (and in some cases bigger) than the bones in a man's arm. That is their weapon. If they hit you with one of those wings, it can break bones and will at very least leave a large, painful bruise. That is why it is wise not to approach a male swan, especially if his lady is there and / or there are cygnets. I had the opportunity to care for a pair of Mute Swans on a pond at the rehab center. It took three of us to feed them ... two of us with push brooms to control him and one to run the bucket of food to the feeder. You would think, after awhile, they would get used to us and maybe even appreciate that we were feeding them ... but they are wild and they remain wild. You can't ever assume they will let their guard down. Always be safe ...
So beautiful, so inspiring ... nature is a gift to treasure :)
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