3 Mute Swans have been hanging around along the lake shore on Lake Michigan in Bay View the last few days. I actually stumbled across them feeding while birding today. Took a few shots to share as not much else was going on today along the lake. This exotic species was brought over from Europe in the 1800’s for ornamental additions to parks and estates. The species is now heavily managed in Wisconsin and other states in USA. Beautiful day out there along with full sun, mild temps for November with a stiff wind. Images were taken on November 10, 2016.
Mute Swan
Binomial name: Cygnus olor
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 60” long, 75” wing span
Weight: 22 lb
They eat underwater vegetation in shallow water
They eat underwater vegetation in shallow water
Preening
More preening
Preening
Great photos. Really enjoyed them. I should get out to the Milwaukee Lakefront but probably won’t as I have a great distaste for all the traffic. My closest venture is Port Washington.
Cheers
Ed
Very nice pics Jim. Enjoyed everyone of them . Thanks for sharing
Even though a lot of people don’t like mute swans, I think they are beautiful. They were “managed” off the lake I live on unfortunately. They were so beautiful to watch. Thank you for sharing the gorgeous images!
Your photos are often the highlight of my day. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Very nice! I especially like the details of the water droplets
Jim – these closeups give us a chance to see the swan’s marvelous details. The arched head and neck appear to be covered in a soft fur. Despite such extraordinary beauty, there’s something that suggests quiet modesty. The liquid setting captures a private scene – we don’t hear any traffic.