Birders
Related: About this forumSwan and Cygnets
One of the (many) times I wish I had the big camera and not the small pocket Ricoh, so apologies for poor quality of closeup. Just out of sight are the wind turbines, proving that the birds don't care!
Also saw a marsh harrier but not quick enough with the camera.
elleng
(136,595 posts)2naSalit
(93,100 posts)That you even got to see them is special!
canetoad
(18,194 posts)And there are a heap of swans there in winter and spring but you don't always see them.
Early in the season I've watched them building their nests. There's a green-leafed, strappy plant which is quite soft. They pull one leaf, swivel their necks and toss it in the direction of the construction site. Then again and again till there's a little pile to which they paddle and begin the picking up and tossing again. It's a really slow process when you see the size of the nests. They are huge mounds floating on the weed, about 3 metres in diameter and a metre or so high.
Early in the season, before the mounds have sunk down, you see the swans in the distance when they stand up and flap their wings. They don't seem to be bothered much by people. When there are no young they are quite curious and come close for a look at the dog and I.
2naSalit
(93,100 posts)In this part of the world the swans are white with black bills and legs/feet. Trumpeter swans are here, some year 'round due to open waters near the hot springs and thermal features in YNP. They should be listed as endangered. I have yet to see a nest up close or cygnets before they are full sized. We also have sandhill cranes, they are more numerous and visible, I have seen their very young offspring but never watched any of them build their nests.
The nest building behavior is curious but I guess they have figured it out. The cranes that live here have a crazy mating display that is something to witness. It's loud and includes amazing body contortions all while sounding like a cross between some dinosaur sound track and braying mules.
We also have Great Blue Heron here to round out our three pterodactyl - like species.
Wildlife is amazing, I can't live far from it or I would go crazy.
About wildlife. Sometimes it's in full view, sometimes you have to go looking, but it's really rewarding.