Sonoma Mountain Ecology Notes

Celebrating and Caring for the Land

A Mute Swan Couple

Cygnus olor are often celebrated as a symbol of love in many cultures in their native Eurosiberia and have been introduced to North America, Southern Africa and Australasia as an ornament in public parks and fancy estates…to the detriment of native water fowl. While they are often celebrated in literature for pairing for life, should one of the pair die before the other, the bereaved are actually known to eventually enter into another partnership. Like a scene from “Swan Lake”, these two were seen in Shollenberger Park engaging in a synchronized bathing and preening dance, a syncopated reinforcement of their shared affection and commitment. (Click image for larger version)

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