Lakeside with the local Waterfowl - Part 1 Mute Swans
White Swans are prominent here in Western, N.Y. They can be found nesting in our wetlands, bays and inland lakes in early spring. This female is teaching her young cygnets to forage along the shoreline, all the while keeping a keen eye on my camera. I am only about 10 feet from her and she gave me a warning honk and wing flap to take a step back. I respected her wishes and she calmly continued feasting with her little ones.
The Mute Swans can be very territorial and often threaten other wildlife within their area. They become especially aggressive when they are nesting, so getting up close and personal in a kayak or canoe could find you upside down and swimming.... just saying!
These beautiful creatures breed around three years old and stay with the same mate for their lifetime. The average lifespan for a mute swan is between 20 to 30 years. That's enough time to have a lot of baby cygnets.
It was a wonderful day at the lake and getting to see the swans and her babies was a real treat. Thank you for stopping by my post, I hope you enjoyed it.
Until next time, this is Sunscape...
Sun. Scape. Ing your day
WOW
Nice pictures, following you now :)
Awhh, thank you for the compliment and follow, following you back.
@sunscape great pictures. I enjoy the swans so much more than the canada geese. We have a breeding pair around the corner from us that nest in a city park. I did a post on them last week. https://steemit.com/photography/@wakeupsheeps/swans-and-cygnets-go-for-a-walk-need-police-escort-home-asbury-park-nj
That is so awesome, I love seeing them and your post is great. thanks for sharing it with me.
Thank you. I didn't realize how big the swans were until I saw them on land.
They are sooo cute!!!
I know right! I watched them for a long time, I would have loved to hold one, but mamma would not have that.
Still, a cute bunch!
Yes they are adorable, yet very feisty.
Wow! All we have here in Western PA are Canada geese. I never knew so many birds mated for life.
Thanks for the post. Most enjoyable
Thank you @breakfastchief I am surprised that your area does not have any. We are not that far from each other, hmmm?
Great post and beautiful photos. Such a majestic bird, so regal in their appearance and movement.
I totally agree @kadvine I could watch them for hours, so beautiful.
Great shots. Those swans look so cute.
Thank you for the compliment, they are really adorable.
ohh so cute...good job!
Thank you @homeartpictures they were fun to hang out with.
welcome...
Amazing photos! They are like us :)
I love the mate for life! Such faithful love.