Black Swan

Black Swan (Bird park Avifauna)

Black Swans are common in the wetlands of south western and eastern Australia. Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of the wild swans we saw in Oz during our travels in 2002 and 2004. Black Swans are very popular as ornamental waterbirds in the rest of the world. A breeding pair in a park here in Groningen was robbed of it’s eggs twice this season.

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soaringfalcon1

What a beautiful bird Gwen. I can't believe there are people on this planet that do things like stealing bird's eggs. I guess I try not to believe in people's stupidity.

I would love to see one of these beauties. I did a little research and found this photo of a Black Swan in flight. Wow! The white flight feathers are striking against the black.

gwendolen

Even more beautiful in flight, aren't they?

Kelly

...a beautiful bird. We are used to white swans, so the black feathers are gorgeous to me. Lovely photos of him as well. I hoped a predator got the eggs, but when I read the article I found humans had. I speak German, so I was able to piece the article together. Sounds like the swans are worth a couple of hundred euros each. I guess the thieves had that in mind. What a shame...

gwendolen

Oh cool, you can read the article, Kelly.
So yes, the people at the park think the eggs were stolen for money. Both times the eggs were almost hatching.

Kelly

That is horrible. I guess swans will imprint on another swan, so they just toss the newly hatched babies in with another group...and then sell them when they grow up? I feel sorry for the mama and papa...they never get to raise their babies.

Mick

Even though they are common out here, of course, I always like seeing them. That's a great photo of one in flight that Larry has provided a link to.

Bob K

Aren't they just so graceful?? Pity the eggs were stolen.

Amy

I first thought you meant the eggs were taken by 'the authorities' because the swans are non-native or 'pests' (as they do with gulls in Leiden... another story). I can't believe it was egg thieves!

There used to be a black swan swimming with the mutes on the canals in Leiden. I was always very happy to see it. And now it's lovely to see one again. Thanks, Gwen.

rambling woods

Nothing surprises me about the how greedy people can be and what little regard they show to animals... Beautiful birds.. I am so sorry that they lost their eggs.. Michelle

Debbie Miller (HooootOwl)

Such grace and beauty captured here ... lovely photos

Tomas P

Thanks for your comment :)

Lovely pictures on a lovely bird there, I don't think I ever have seen a black swan in real life... Need to visit more parks, or perhaps Australia ;)

gwenz wildlife weblog

Black Swan