Sunday 2 September 2012

Even more on Moore Nature Reserve.................................... the Black Swans

While I was watching the birds from the East Hide at Birchwood Pool I saw a bit of a commotion going on with the Mute Swans at the far end of the pool. 
Only when it all calmed down did I see a pair of Black Swans heading towards me... I assume a bit of a territorial battle had been going on.

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) 
Black Swans are native to Australia and birds in the UK are usually escapees from ornamental gardens.
I saw (and filmed) a single Black Swan here at Moore twelve months ago.
 I have had a pair on my local patch for the last few years only to lose one during the harsh winter of 2010/11... so is one of these my local bird... I will try to find out.

Not a common sight in the UK they are beautiful swans to watch.

"you dancing?              .....              "you asking?"

They were so graceful as they put on a display of...

...synchronised swimming. 

Beautiful birds to watch...

... and a lovely end to my trip to Moore.

24 comments:

eileeninmd said...

I love the black swans, beautiful photos!

Roan said...

Excellent series of shots. They sure are beautiful, graceful birds. I've only seen them at the zoo, but loved watching them there.
Rubbish by Roan

MadSnapper said...

awesome shots, Andrew, I love the synchronised one best but they are all wonderful. i like the water dropping from the beak in the first one

Adam Jones said...

I like these Andrew. Something different other than the usual Mute Swan or Canada Geese. Very photogenic too.

Deborah said...

I love this post! just fabulous....

Anni said...

...and a dance it is indeed!!! Beautiful...I like how in the one photo, their heads nearly form a 'heart'!!!

Thanks for linking up at the Bird D'Pot this weekend.

Bob Bushell said...

Great find there Andrew. There seems to be plenty of them.

DeniseinVA said...

Fantastic photos of the black swans Andrew. The first time I ever saw them was in Dawlish Warren down in Devon. They were there for years and I am not sure if there are any there now. The last time I saw any was on a holiday three years ago.

TexWisGirl said...

these birds are incredibly handsome, but the interaction you caught in these photos makes them even more so.

Cheryl said...

They are simply elegant. I love the stills you captured of their interaction with each other.

Horst in Edmonton said...

Beautiful Swans. Love your photos Andrew. Beautifully done.

Carole M. said...

how exciting to see the black swans in your territory Drew and you picked up some beautiful snapshots of them

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Those are beautiful pictures of the swans, especially the one with their necks entwined! Wow, what lovely work. And Moore preserve looks to be a wonderful place in so many ways.

Brian King said...

I love the black swans! I wish we had some around here. Beautiful birds!

Michelle said...

I love swans, period. But, the black variety is just so distinct. Beautiful shots!

genie said...

Magnificent captures. You shot them in every way possible. Love where they look to be training for the 2016 Olympics in synchronized swimming. The red beaks are so eye catching. Hope you locate your remaining swan. genie

Danielle said...

Love the captions. I have never seen a black swan in person...they are quite beautiful.

Pat said...

They are beautiful, elegant birds and you got some lovely shots.

BlueShell said...

Usually we do see white ones...but these are fantastic my friend! Great capture!

Oh Drew...I do understand you so well...My mother is having insulin now and she is depressed...I'm so worried!!!

Hope your mom gets well soon. God Bless her!

Hugs
Isabel/BShell

Pantherka said...

Black swans are beautiful and your photos are great.

Nefertiti said...

se qu ils sont beaux !

joo said...

They are great these black swans!

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Such beautiful images of these graceful birds!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Andrew these are fabulous shots of WA's national emblem, how amazing to see them there in your territory! When they swim in pairs like this they're an absolute delight to photograph..love the reflections in the last two images.