Mute Swan

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Mute Swan
Photo Information
Copyright: angela LL (angela926) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 358 W: 8 N: 385] (1698)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-21
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 40 D, EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III
Exposure: f/13.0, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-04-24 18:28
Viewed: 385
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A beautiful Mute Swan taken at Southaven Park in Brookhaven New York on Long Island.

native of northern and central Eurasia, the Mute Swan was introduced into North America to grace the ponds of parks and estates. Escaped individuals have established breeding populations in several areas, where their aggressive behavior threatens native waterfowl.

Description
Large, all-white waterfowl.
Long, curved neck.
Orange bill and black face.

Size: 127-152 cm (50-60 in)
Wingspan: 208-238 cm (82-94 in)
Weight: 5500-14300 g (194.15-504.79 ounces)
Sex Differences
Sexes look alike, male slightly larger and with larger knob on bill.

Sound
Not mute. Calls quiet and do not carry. A snorting "heorrr." Hisses aggressively. Wings make singing noise in flight.

topConservation Status
As an introduced species it is of concern because of its effects on native wildlife. Its aggressive nature can disrupt the nesting of native waterfowl. It is protected in some states, but not others. Some states are attempting to control Mute Swan numbers.

Other Names
Cygne tuberculé (French)
Cisne vulgar (Spanish)


Cool Facts


Downy young Mute Swans (called cygnets) come in two color morphs: a gray form and a white form. The gray (or "Royal") chicks start off with gray down and grow in gray-brown and white feathers, giving them a mottled look. White (or "Polish") chicks have all white down and juvenal feathers. Adults of the white morph may have pink or gray legs and feet instead of black, but otherwise the adults look alike.


The Mute Swan is reported to mate for life. However, changing of mates does occur infrequently, and swans will remate if their partner dies. If a male loses his mate and pairs with a young female, she joins him on his territory. If he mates with an older female, they go to hers. If a female loses her mate, she remates quickly and usually chooses a younger male.


The black knob at the base of the male Mute Swan's bill swells during the breeding season and becomes noticeably larger than the female's. The rest of the year the difference between the sexes is not obvious.
Adanac, NinaM, tuslaw has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1029 W: 1 N: 3939] (13258)
  • [2008-04-24 19:49]

Hello Angela,
Outstanding closeup portrait of this swan. Amazingly sharp and colorful image as a result of your fine camera work.
Rick

  • Great 
  • cako Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 327 W: 0 N: 280] (1619)
  • [2008-04-25 10:23]

Hi Angele
this is very nice portraid
well done.

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 544 W: 0 N: 1303] (4365)
  • [2008-04-26 5:01]

This is really nice Angela, I love this pov of the swan's head, it is beautiful. I enjoy looking at all the details on the beak, feathers, eyes. The background is beautiful, blurred and smooth. Thank you!

Francine

pts tomorrow

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1687 W: 20 N: 4738] (15476)
  • [2008-04-26 7:21]

Hi Angela,
Wonderful portrait shot with such lovely colours and sharp details. Great eye contact and the orange coloured bill looks elegant. Superb lighting and exposure levels. Excellent DOF, POV and composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

Hello Angela!

Very nice portrait of mute swan. Great quality and superb colors , and very well choosen DOF. Well done!

Regards
Jacek

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2726 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-04-29 10:06]

Hello Angela

Great POV for this shot.
The details are sharp and well focused.
You have captured very good eye contact.
The colours are rich and the lighting is well utilized.
Great job.
TFS


Rob

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 149 W: 7 N: 350] (1142)
  • [2008-04-29 19:09]

Great closeup Angela,
Love the little twinkel in it's eye. Very sharp image, nice color and the blurred background helps you focus on the subject. I also checked out your sparrow and it is awesome!!! Good notes too!
Ron

Hello Angela,
very nice portrait very well managed,
beautifull colours and excellent eye catching,
very well framed too,
excellent post,
cheer,
friendly,
Pat

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