Mute Swan Preening

The late afternoon lighting and chance to get close captures of this lone bird on a feeding break seemed worthy to share with my Tman friends.



Video
https://flic.kr/p/HJGd8L

Regards,

Jonathan

What artistic movement and colours !

The water rings reflecting serenely of the movement say it all.

Thank you for the share, Jonathan.

See you on the surface......

Non native, Canada goose gosling killing machine right there! And the most aggressive breeding pair of birds you will ever enjoy!

I say erradicate!

Very nice Photo Jonathan!

Nice photo but invasive non native species. The photo as Sharon mentioned shows alot.

I thought swans we're native, long neck on them

Jeremy, Just curious: Have you personally witnessed such predation as mentioned in Minnesota? I ask only as a long retired wildlife research biologist. Though I have never been involved with formal studies of either species, I have watched and observed both during their life cycles for over 50 years in a wide range of habitats and have never seen swans chase, catch and eat a goose gosling. I certainly wouldn't doubt it if you have - indeed a rare observation! No argument from my side of the fence.

As a non-native species, the Mute Swan is a scourge to multiple different wildlife species where they breed and reside. Their impact in that regard is well documented in this link detailing their life history and ecology from the Cornell University Bird Lab.

Mute Swans

Jonathan

Videos

https://flic.kr/p/ucHbfg

https://flic.kr/p/txuDXi

Lots of Great Photos and
Information!!

There is never a shortage of Canada Geese in my region. They are everywhere, and many are year-round residents.

https://flic.kr/p/GaZd53

Jonathan

When I see one outside a fence in Minnesota, they die. I would be surprised if there is a "wild" breeding pair in the state outside of some prestige pond inside a wealthy housing development. Intended for goose deterrent.

https://youtu.be/02i1YptHPlU

https://youtu.be/i4-xbMM9Vnw

https://youtu.be/NaJa6pVOr5I

Like I said, they never live long if I catch wind of such vagrant.

https://youtu.be/PnMualBSzKs

I can't even describe how much I hate mute swans. I have considered researching other states who require no liscence or protection.

Show me some orange from other states!

New York Is Infested With The G-Danged Things.

The NYS USDA APHIS Crew And NYS DEC Bureau Of Wildlife Had An Eradication Program Up & Running.

Birders & Animal Rights Wackos Squaked To Governor Andy Cuomo and Just Like That The Program Was Shut Down.

Although I Have Never Been Attacked, The Rude Creatures Always Stalk Me On Lakeview Marsh While I'm Setting Traps and Swim After Me Aggressively Within 10 To 20 yards.

I Don't Care For The Things, Myself.

w

Thanks for your reply Walleyed! Are you saying they are now a protected bird in NY?

Orange bill hunting on swans is a lot like leg band hunting Canada geese. Lots of beautiful time outdoors enjoying God's creation, yet we must eat, and defend those that feed us!

Maybe consider a pile of corn along shore, drowner running out wit one of your favorite beaver traps!

Thank you for the shares of evidence, Sir. I'm convinced!

Jonathan

I see several groups of swans around here, I'm sure there must be wild ones in MN too, seen groups of 7-12 in fields eating

I have never seen one near me , only trumpeters and lots of them. You can easily tell the difference.

Oh, lol I thought a swan was a swan, didn't Know there were two kinds

T20, There are three species: Mute, Tundra and Trumpeter. No "orange" on the last two.

Jonathan

Well we got some trumpeter swans then? I probably knew this 50 years ago in school, read about every bird n animal book in library

I’ve been attacked by a mute swan while canoeing on a few occasions. I’ve witnessed mute swans attack adult Canada geese. Geese always give mute swans a wide birth and I’ve noticed nesting of other waterfowl decrease when mute swans are present.

A mute swan doesn't make trumpet noise then ?

No. They are called mute swans because they hardly make any noises. The only noise I’ve ever heard them make is when they are puffed up and coming in for attack.

The orange bill and black bill knob is the give away on identifying adult birds. Younger birds will have a greyish bill and a dirty feather appearance.