Serenity

On this day, I jumped out of my car as I spotted these Mute Swans swimming this inlet at my local State Park. Pretty cool siting...



As I was leaving the park, I see a family of about 5 fishing along the shore. What captured my attention, and to my great dismay, was seeing a teenage girl pull up what I think is a bb gun, and take shots at a duck, which happened to be a Pied-billed Grebe, but she wouldn't know that, or care, for that matter. What I did next, was grab the local number of the police and describe what I saw. They were going to send someone out, but my regret was that I didn't handle it myself. I should have done more and confronted the family, as I was not only worried for the grebe, but what would stop this family from shooting at the swans? The law was obviously a very gray area, and meant for "other" people. Teaching family values and abiding by mother nature doesn't apply either. I was completely outraged at such a sight, and couldn't stop thinking about what the mother and father were teaching their children. I hope they were fined, but I will never know. Next time, and I hope there isn't one, I, personally, have something to say...

Mute Swans

I'm a little bummed...I have to send my buddy, the Canon 100-400mm lens that has been so faithful, in for repairs. I am renting a replacement until it is fixed, but my trusty friend is going for a ride. I've been holding back these photos for a few days, hoping for better weather to take the flight shots in, but the swans have not cooperated. They refuse to fly on demand, and chose on this day to fly under gray skies. These are the last of trustys trustiness, as the autofocus is very sick. Since these photos, only manual focus could do the job. Not too many creatures wait for me to dial in clean shots. Get Well Soon Trusty!

Mute Swan & Mallard Ducklings

Mute Swans are always a beautiful site to see in the wild. I can usually spot them twice a year during migration. A good stop over for them is where 3 rivers meet & where American White Pelicans make the same place a resting stop.


This particular Swan seemed to be alittle too "tame". It approached me as I walked to the shore, suggesting it has probably been fed by humans. (I ruled out a tame swan "on the loose", because of past sitings in this exact locale.)

Note: 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. The Mute Swan is reported to mate for life. However, changing of mates does occur infrequently, and swans will remate if their partner dies. (Source: All About Birds)





My first ducklings of the season! There were a total of 7, but getting them all in 1 shot was nearly impossible. I guess I never knew just how active they were until I observed these little guys. It was non-stop action and I felt sorry for poor mom, having to look after these guys going in every direction.