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| Many different swan species at the sanctuary, all hanging out together. |
I was lucky in 2008 and 2009. I got unlimited access to two incredible sanctuaries. I'd met the owner of one of them (KR) who invited me to take pictures of his "swans" of which he said he had a large collection.
I couldn't have been less interested at first. I was only into nature photography - trees, rivers, snow. But he kept asking and asking me, telling me this was the season they were all the most beautiful. So I went.
It was an unforgettable experience. I felt as if I had been bitten by a bird full of the most mesmerizing nectar, like triple ambrosia, and since that bite, I have never been the same.
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| Mute Swan in threat posture |
The rush of the water, the innocent winged beauty of the animals who raced, played and posed in the water are something I can never forget!
My first sight at the sanctuary was a lake of multiple swans, each more beautiful than the next.
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| Creative rending of mute swan. |
I first watched a gorgeous mute swan lift his wings, charging directly at me, only to shift course and speed away in the opposite direction when nearing the bank of the lake.I had seen many swans in my lifetime but never such a gorgeous creature. Having recently taken up photo art, he was the first bird to bear the benefits of my blossoming creativities. I learned that as beautiful as these animals are in raising their wings, they are in "threat" posture, having perceived possible danger. By raising their wings like the swan below, they appear "larger" to their competitors.
After admiring the large mute swan, I watched a few swans cavorting together. Mixed breeds were accompanying each other back and forth across the lake, chasing, drifting, all looking beautiful!
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| Mute swan and whooper swan hanging out together |
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| Mute Swan to Whooper Swan: I can swim faster than you can! |
Next I noticed two coscorba swans peeking out from behind a bush.
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| Shy Coscoroba Swans checking out the scene |
After this, I saw a Whooper Swan by herself, a Black Necked Swan and even a Black Swan!
Mesmerized by Swans!
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| Whooper Swan |
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| Black Necked Swan |
