"I'M ALMOST READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP"

Trumpeter Swan (Immature) - 7 Photos

Note:  All photos taken from a safe distance, with a long lens.

It is a privilege when wildlife allows a photographer into a more intimate space that could offer close-ups of an often but necessary act such as grooming. 

Feathers represent life for birds. They provide the necessities for flight, insulation and protection, as well as camouflage and for males, displaying for mates. It probably explains why, even from a young age, birds spend a great deal tending to feather maintenance.

And for a swan, there are a large amount of feathers, between 25,000 and 35,000. That's a lot of grooming which can include some body contortions, which may explain why there is actually a yoga pose called the "swan" (Photo #1 through Photo #6.)

In the next few weeks, this young swan will be joining other members of his/her family, together with other Trumpeters for the Spring migration north. A well maintained & full set of feathers will help to ensure a successful flight (Photo #7).

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7