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| This
pair of swans have made a winter home on the Farmington
River behind our house. They are very friendly and swim
right over to Sugar and me when we take our morning walks.
(Farmington, CT) |
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| The
swans fan their feathers to make a display and soak in
the winter sun. |
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| These
two are as tight as newly-found lovers, and are never far
apart. |
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| The
female is checking me out to see if it is alright to come
a little closer. |
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| The
first time these two swam by me, I was very surprised
because I have never seen swans in the wild in
Connecticut and did not think they were indigenous. |
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| The
mates take a tour of their little territory on the
Farmington River and patrol for any unwanted visitors as
they enjoy their private sanctuary. The male will chase
off any other water fowl that come too close, as well as
any other suitors to his mate. |
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| This
swan takes a cozy, little nap on the river, fanning its
feathers to soak in the warm, winter sun. |
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| The
epitomy of grace and beauty: when both swans are fanning
their feathers, it truly is a sight to behold. |
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| The
male looks on in curiosity as the female dabs a quick
gulp of something from the river. The ice will soon
thicken and make it difficult for them to find food here. |
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| The
swans parade along with their feathers fanned to make a
display. The little exhibitionists! |
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| The
pair come in a little nearer, for a closer look at us. |
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| The
female comes in for a closeup. The manner in which the
tree line and sky line reflect upon the river makes the
water seem surreal with the swan right on the edge of the
reflection of the tree line. |
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| The
water is beginning to ice over and these two will not be
able to forge for food here much longer this winter. |
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| The
female gets up to stretch her wings. |
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| Papa,
mama, and baby all in a row. |
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| The
male feels so comfortable around me now that he nods off
into a little nap soaking in the winter sun. |
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| Now
he is asleep three feet in front of me. And yes, this is
a real picture that I took and I did not get it from
somewhere else. |
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| The
epitomy of peace and tranquility. These are two of my
finest photos to date. |
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| The
male was THAT close when I took this picture. I have no
powerful lenses for my camera. The swan's approach was so
imposing that I was not sure if he might get a little
ornery with me. But, apparently, he was just coming
closer to look at the camera because it makes some funny
noises when it is about to take the picture. |
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| The
cob is so close that I can reach my hand out and touch
him. He seems to be just as curious about me as I am
about him. A noble creature, indeed. |
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| The
pen gives me on last look over her shoulder as she leaves
me for the day. |
