The Swan Rises
by Jeff Swan
Title
The Swan Rises
Artist
Jeff Swan
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The swans are the largest members of the waterfowl family Anatidae, and are among the largest flying birds. The largest species, including the mute swan, trumpeter swan, and whooper swan, can reach length of over 1.5 m (60 inches) and weigh over 15 kg (33 pounds). Their wingspans can be almost 3 m (10 ft). Compared to the closely related geese, they are much larger in size and have proportionally larger feet and necks.[2] They also have a patch of unfeathered skin between the eyes and bill in adults. The sexes are alike in plumage, but males are generally bigger and heavier than females.
The Northern Hemisphere species of swan have pure white plumage but the Southern Hemisphere species are mixed black and white. The Australian Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is completely black except for the white flight feathers on its wings; the chicks of black swans are light grey in colour, and the South American Black-necked Swan has a black neck.
The legs of swans are normally a dark blackish grey colour, except for the two South American species, which have pink legs. Bill colour varies: the four subarctic species have black bills with varying amounts of yellow, and all the others are patterned red and black. Although most birds generally do not have teeth, swans are known to be an exception to this, having small jagged 'teeth' as part of their beaks used for catching and eating fish. The Mute Swan and Black-necked Swan have a lump at the base of the bill on the upper mandible.[citation needed]
Uploaded
October 9th, 2011
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Comments (61)
Morris Finkelstein
Fabulous close up of a Trumpeter Swan is a great pose, done beautifully, Jeff! F/L
Ralph Klein
Congratulations. Your beautiful work has been featured on the HP of PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. Thank you very much for sharing.
Anita Faye
Jeff, glorious winged capture! Featured on Poetic Poultry! http://fineartamerica.com/groups/poetic-poultry-.html
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Phyllis Kaltenbach
Congratulations, Your wonderful work of art has been featured on "Fuzzy, Warm & Soft"!
Deb Halloran
Hi Jeff, What a gorgeous capture. Excellent detail and amazing soft light..love the action. Nicely done. v/l
Randy Rosenberger
Jeff, I just wanted to send you a personal note of great appreciation for all the support you pay to all artists within our group on WFS, as your inspiring words mean so much to other artists, and to let you know how much I adore the beauty of your fine artworks! Thank you very much for all you do, my friend! It is a true honor and privilege to FEATURE this creative and wondrous piece of art work on the WFS site, from one of our honored and prestigious members. This awesome piece of beauty is what we are looking for to promote and let others see, including other artists and potential customers, as your works are some of the Best of the Best in my Book! Thanks much for sharing this beauty with us. Fave and Vote Forever, Elvis