I understand that in popular mythology that a pair of swans stay together for life. I spotted this pair on Eagle Pond last week, although far apart they seem to be mirroring each other in shape and position. Anyway true or not it was beautiful light for photography and I thought it made a really nice picture. Have a great week.
That's a lovely image, yes, with the mirrored postures. Swans do indeed mate for life, although if one partner dies, the surviving partner may sometimes choose another mate eventually; the same monogamy until a death occurs has been seen in geese also, but not mallard ducks, who mate rather indiscriminately!
ReplyDeleteWhile geese partners stay pretty close in proximity day-to-day, never really leaving each others' side, swan partners will regularly go apart a little distance from each other, making separate explorations for food, etc, as this picture looks like. But when they meet up again they perform an affirming head-bowing dance, like saying "Hi honey, it's me and I'm home" again.
Thank you for your kind and very interesting comment. One of the things I enjoy about doing this blog is the fascinating little facts that come to light.
ReplyDeleteOnce again many thanks,
Best wishes,
Geoff