The trumpeter swans seem to come by every winter, but you never know where on the river they will be on any given day. On Tuesday we came across 19 of them swimming off in the distance, but of course, there were all but lost in her phone photo.
On Wednesday, yesterday, I brought my camera and longest lens, but as we approached our lookout point, all was quiet, unlike the day before, so I did not have high hopes.
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| Along the trail, walking toward the lookout spot |
There were only 5 swans way off in the distance: 4 together and one just off by itself a bit.
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| A long way off where the red arrow is pointing. Oops.Sue says that the swans were even farther away, left and back more. So now, I am even more impressed with myself. :) |
Even if I could get a long shot, they were sleepy and inactive. But the one off my itself, did rouse its head a few times, so I fired off some shots, hoping for the best. Using good software, I was able to crop in and edit the photo well. This is the shot.
It's just a long photo of a swan but knowing what it took to get and process the photo and knowing how to do it, means something to me even though it won't exactly be a National Geographic candidate. Besides, these trumpeter swans don't stay long, so it is nice to get any sort of photo while I can.
And here's the group of nearby sleepyheads being as unaccommodating as possible.
My photos were better last year here when they were by Riverside Park and I managed to get several photos, including this one.
You did well! The birds here have been absent due to the extreme cold I suspect. There is little flowing water anywhere this year.
ReplyDeleteEvery winter, it seems. At least for awhile.
DeleteLoved the swan you did capture with a nice tree background to heighten it out with different textures. Sorry, I use that term so often. But he was nice to at least have his head up for you.
ReplyDeleteGood noticing. You have an eye.
DeleteI think it look pretty relaxing to float on the water with my neck and head curled up on a bed of feathers.
ReplyDeleteEspecially on a frigid day. 😉
DeleteI always marvel at their insulation, swimming happily in frigid water.
ReplyDeleteIt gets me almost everytime.
DeleteSuch graceful creatures. Just catching up with your blog posts - you're quite prolific, aren't you? Belated happy birthday to Jonathan - sweet sixteen and the world before you!
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good photographic model.
You don't sound overjoyed with my many posts. 😊 There is usually something cooking no matter how banal.
DeleteI guess they have their heads tucked in to keep warm. I'm glad the one guy cooperated for a portrait.
ReplyDeleteWe lucked out.
DeleteIt may not make the cover of National Geographic but I sure like it.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks.
DeleteThey really are striking birds, aren't they? I hope they stick around -- and the blue sky too.
ReplyDeleteA wintertime treat. I had it in mind to check out another site today but it was blizzard I guess, so we kept the car in the garage and walked to the local park.
DeleteThey are lovely! As long as they aren't geese, I'm OK. Geese don't like me and are quite aggressive!
ReplyDeleteThey sounded a bi like geese on our first approach, but not quite the same either.
DeleteWhat a beautiful sight! How great to be able to see them at all :)
ReplyDeleteI hope to get another chance.
DeleteI like how these swans look in your shots. Looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was pleased how well they turned out considering the distance and being handheld.
DeleteIn the last photo the swans really performed for you.
ReplyDeleteLast year was better than this year.
DeleteNice, AC. Such beautiful birds. You done good to get anything at all at that distance, I think.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures no matter how or when.
ReplyDeleteWell done! I almost always see them when I am driving and there is not even a spot to pull off and try the phone camera. So, glad to see them. Glad you have the open water to lure them and good for you to be out in that cold yesterday.
ReplyDeleteSightings are good even in passing.
DeleteNice pics. Keep tabs of your swan friends. The KC area has lost several and many geese due to bird flu. Not sure if you'd notify a regional bird authority, as there is no cure, and you don't want to touch them in any condition. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThere’s always something. ☹️
DeleteSwans, what beautiful animals... you lucky ones. I wish you happy walks and thank you for the beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm also particularly happy about the snow and the blue sky... just beautiful.
Hug
Seeing the swans is the highlight of my spring. I don't know if they are out there or not near us. But perhaps I can get out and search.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots, thank you for making my day!
It is a real treat to see them, and I am lucky to get photos.
ReplyDeleteIt is special to see the swans in their spring migration, whatever the photos.
ReplyDeleteThis really is a lovely spot. Once Joe's back is better, or it's warmer...
ReplyDelete