“But now they drift on the still water,
Mysterious, beautiful,” WB Yeats
Swans swim,
in synchronized,
Mama delicately rolls her precious eggs,
to keep them evenly warm,
and plucks her feathers to tuck them in.
Black swan,
slides in singular grace,
while Narcissus is bewitched by his own reflection.
Cheers to you from European swans in springtime~
So beautiful! Thank you!
Thank you more for appreciating them!
The way their necks curve around they seem to be making the shape of a heart. So beautiful Cindy.
Leslie
Yes! They are always making valentines!
So gracefully too.
<3
Wonderful! xo
Thank you Bette! <3
Incredibly beautiful!
What is the magic of swans? I don’t know, but I feel it!
I liked all the pictures, especially the way the swans were connected by reflection in photograph four. Then, there is the reverse “albino” swan. I may be wrong about this, but I don’t think you took these pictures at the “holler.” When these birds fly by, you can hear their power earful wings beat the air as they move their large bodies through the air.
I have only rarely heard that because as you note, swans are not native at The Holler. I only get to see them when I travel. I will love to have them flying overhead!
Beautiful photos :-). I found the black swan particularly interesting, since I’ve never seen one. And I’m very impressed by the great view you got of the swan eggs. I didn’t think swans laid that many.
She was so proud of her eggs. I visited her on three separate days and each time she stood up and showed me her eggs. It was like she knew I came to call to meet them! I was so proud of her because she was such a good mother. She repeatedly plucked her feathers to wrap around her eggs, and rolled them diligently.
That is such a sweet story π
The red, white and blue is great! The swans in the pond nearby my house have chicks now. Little grey-isch animals floating behind their parents. It will take some time for them to be a graceful as the elder. I think birds are about the only creatures to actually improve when they get older. Oh wait – we should not forget the butterfly! π
Laughing, and think of ducklings and goslings. I have some photos of Egyptian Geese and goslings, oh my God they are adorable. I envy you having cygnets nearby. I would be there everyday, making an uninvited guest of myself! π
These are are gorgeous shots, Cindy. π
Thank you my friend~ <3
Magnificent!! Such grace & beauty β€
They personify those traits don’t they! Cheers to you Dorinda~ <3
Those are such incredible photos. I’m going to have to find new words to describe the wonder of your photos. Those of the swan and her eggs is just amazing!! I love them all.
I was really taken by the mama with her eggs. I showed up three days in a row (the entire time I was in Heidelberg) and every time I visited she stood up to show me her eggs and took such diligent care of them I was very moved by her.
You are an animal whisperer! I knew it! You capture shots that only the very best of the professionals like Art Wolfe get. I love his work too.
the dark swan, stands out… I liked the shades on him/her
Stunning creature isn’t it! <3
Such stunning images, Cindy. Loved the capture of the water droplets coming from the swans’ beaks in the first photo. Excellent timing! Mama and eggs were so beautiful to see. <3
Thank you for noticing the water drops. I liked them in unison along with the swans. The mama swan moved me immensely. It was quite cold. Snowed the first day and she was diligent in the care of her eggs, keeping them warm, and showing them to me. I loved her. <3
Incredible. Turning her eggs…so beautiful. Thank you.
She was such a beautiful personification of diligent motherhood! <3
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Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Awww, honored. Thank you.
Lovely photographs βΊοΈπ
Thank you very much~
Lovely images. Lucky you to capture a swan and her eggs.
I don’t remember ever seeing birds eggs at all, although I have seen chicks or cygnets newly hatched.
It was quite special and she was so proud of her eggs. It was truly lovely to see!
You should get an award for the pictures of the swan nest.
Awww, you are such a good friend! Hugs to you~ <3
Awesome shots, Cindy. You’ve captured their beauty and grace so well!
Thank you Eliza, they are the epitome of beauty and grace aren’t they~
Stunning captures Cindy! What a great π
Thank you Val~ <3 <3
Elegance, Cuz, simple, beautiful elegance. …and you captured it so very well ! π
Not much better than simple beauty like these creatures. Thank you for seeing it cuz~ <3
I read a poem yesterday about swans, gliding serenely, but underwater paddling madly with ugly feet. I think it was by Jane Yolen. π
Laughing! They do so if they have to, but their feet are giant paddles compared to their body, so they are like kayaks on a gentle lake, one paddle sends them gliding!
Have you seen them beat their wings on the water? Terrifying! π
It’s beautiful! They can get tetchy mostly with dogs that go after them or people who approach them too abruptly or not carefully or other swans during disputes that most birds have. I have seen them chase people which could have been avoided. I get close to them, but I wait for an invitation first and don’t invade space. Check this out:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/11033858/Should-you-be-intimidated-by-a-swan.html
They can be ruthless with other birds. They look so gorgeous, but… π
The first one with the drip from their beak is incredible!! Wow!! Love!!
I am so happy you do and thank for taking the time to tell me! <3
Beautiful!!!
Thank you!
Beautiful pictures of beautiful creatures Cindy.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Thanks so much David & cheers to you!
Beautiful pictures. π We had two black swans here in Kristianstad, Sweden in the 80Β΄s. and i have read that there is some wild population in south of Europe who have escaped from zoos and amusement parks.
They are amazing creatures aren’t they! How thrilling to have them close to you. I wish we had swans nearby, I would love to photograph the hatching and the cygnets.
Thank you for sharing such amazing pictures, swans are such beautiful beings.
They are, and they are misunderstood, when approached correctly they are peaceable creatures.
The mama stole my heart. I wish you had stayed back to see the cygnets. Great shots!
I so wished that too. I would be there everyday, and Mama would be showing them off. She was awesome! I have a lot more photos of her rolling her eggs. She was so devoted and gentle. It was very impressive.
Amore!
Yes indeed! <3
Wonderful!
Thank you!
Fantastic!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
De Nada!
Beautiful. Love the black Swan. “Ms. Portman! We’re ready for your closeup!!”
Laughing, the real deal is the true oscar winner for me!
Elegant, my friend! β+.οΎβ+α(Β΄ β₯ `α)+.βοΎ+.β
ποΈποΈβ+.οΎβ+α(Β΄ β₯ `α)+.βοΎ+.βποΈποΈ
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Stunning photos of swans by Cindy Knoke.
I am so grateful for your thoughtful friendship Patricia! Cheers to you and thank you~ <3
Wow gorgeous swans! I didn’t know there were black swans. So very cool, Hugz Lisa and Bear
They originate in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. They are gorgeous aren’t they!
Absolutely beautiful
<3
Fanwondrous efforts, I fank you. X
Awww, you are very welcome and I am happy you enjoyed!
What a treat to spend time with these lovely swans! Gorgeous mother swan. The second to the last image (from the bottom) I can visualize as a great impressionistic Monet-like painting. My father has painted with palette knives and his water scenes would come out looking like that.
Yes the peaceful Monet water. I love it so and am honored you connected the two. I would love to see your father’s paintings.
Oh that I can do! I realized recently that records of my own paintings are on those 6″ hard discs and I don’t know how transfer them onto today’s technology myself. However, my dad’s paintings are everywhere in the house, so I’ll take pictures and upload them for you to see!
Stunning photographs, Cindy.
Very happy you enjoyed them & cheers to you~
Swans look so elegant. They have always fascinated me. You have chosen such a beautiful subject.βΊ Beautiful shots indeed !
They are regal and fascinating birds and I am glad you feel about them as I do!
Your photos are a delight, Cindy. Loved the synchronised droplets. π What a pity you won’t see the cygnets. Or will you?
I won’t see the cygnets, who are probably quite big by now. If I lived near them, I would be there everyday!
Great !!!
Merci beaucoup!
De rien, ma chΓ¨re π
<3
Them thar swans is reall purty
You are so fortunate to have a significant black swan population in GB.
They’re beautiful.
So happy you like them & wonderful to hear from you!
Gorgeous photos, Cindy!
Thank you very much & cheers to you~
I do love swans, so magestic.
They class up rivers and lakes quite nicely! π
I absolutely adore the ones with the eggs! How cool is that!πππ
She stole my <3 no question! So pleased you love her too~
Beautiful photos, Cindy. They’re such graceful creatures. π
They are, and such good mamas!
Those are lovely photos of swans. And the first time I’ve seen a swan nest!
Mama was so proud of her eggs! It was wonderful to see~
Gorgeous photos, Cindy. We see swans so frequently that it is easy to forget how serene and beautiful they are – thank you for this reminder π
That reminds me of being in Africa and voicing my thrill at seeing crocodiles. The woman standing next to me said, “Well, they are very common.”
Not where I come from! Laughing……one person’s common is another’s exotic, which is as it should be, I imagine.
It’s what makes the world so interesting! π
Such graceful, beautiful birds. They remind me of one of my favorite childhood books, The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Anderson, one that I read often to my little granddaughter.
I remember it well! <3
Adore these pics.
Makes me happy that you do!
π
Cindy, the detail here is fabulous! Thank you for showing us these graceful birds up close and personal. Isn’t Nature grand?!?
Thank you Debbie & yes, Mother Nature rocks!
I like the use of Yeats’ writing to go with your lovely photos here, Cindy! My mind is drifting now too β₯
Oh good! Drifting is excellent for your mind & body.
Your photos are always so good.. beautiful
Ahhh, thank you, and so are yours!
Beautiful Pictures, Cindy
Muchas gracias mi amiga! <3
Incredible photography, Cindy!
Awww, thank you Terri!
Gorgeous! Did you know black swans are native to Oz?
Alison
I did. Although I never saw them there which is yet another reason I need to return in 2018!
Go to Canberra – they live on the lake there.
I will. Thanks for the tip! Can you recommend any other good birding places?
Oh I don’t know, probably everywhere π
Actually in Port Douglas (way north in QLD) thousands of Lorikeets roost in the trees in the middle of the main street every night. Anywhere away from the cities there’ll be flocks of different parrots, and of course huge flocks of cockatoos, galahs, rosellas, etc live in Canberra.
Pure and absolute heaven! I can’t wait to return.
Your brilliant photography highlights the grace and beauty of these exquisite creatures, Cindy. Imagine their surprise and joy upon seeing your lovely photos for the first time when they return to our Creator π π
How wonderful to imagine! Thank you dear Tina~ <3
The curve of their neck is so gracious. When the two look at the opposite way and close (your second picture), the curving necks and heads look so beautiful.
Thank you for your perceptiveness. They are the most elegant creatures.
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
Lovely swans, beautifully captured! The black swan is exceptionally striking, with that reddish beak. Black and red – my favourite colour combination!
π
It is a beautiful and striking color combination, I agree with you, and I can see why it is your favorite. Thank you for your thoughtful friendship & cheers to you. <3
Nice angles, especially that second shot. Sometimes I wonder why Europe gets all the graceful swans, but we mostly get geese.
Laughing……there must be some message there! π π
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Off for a day of creativity (might be a little bit of compostition in the sunshine!) So will leave you with the beauty of swans courtesy of the fabulous photography of Cindy Knoke. Accompanied by some lovely words. #recommended
Composition in the sunshine sounds like perfection. Can’t wait to see what you come up with! Thank you dear friend and be well always~ <3
Thank you Cindy.. celebrating finishing that particular project.. just the final editing to do.. thanks for more stunning photos β₯
<3 <3
You never cease to amaze me with the beautiful photos that you capture, Cindy. The details are stunning and you manage to get such character into them as well. π
You are very kind Judy and most appreciated too! Thank you~ <3
My pleasure, Cindy π
<3
Amazing captures! So very graceful, Cindy.
And, you captured the eggs, unbelievable…
I fell in love with Mama swan. She was such a good mama! <3
Cheers to having the equipment to zoom in on Mama Swan. π
She let me get really close too. She got used to me. I never even got close to full zoom with her. She was very proud of her eggs!
Must have been your pleasant aura.
Laughing, more likely a people habituated swan…..
Beautiful!
Thank you very much!
Fantastic Cindy! How did you get so close to the nest? π
Mama was very proud and wanted to show me her eggs! I visited over three days, and each time she stood up to show me them! She was awesome!
Wow, you have such a wonderful connection with wildlife. π
Excellent set.
My favourite is the first picture…
…I like how you froze the droplets there.
It was so nice of the swans to set that photo up for me! π
Yes. It was.
<3
Beautiful photos! Such graceful creatures, but I didn’t know there were black swans.
They are rare outside of their native Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Amazing
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
Wow just wow! BEAUTIFUL!
So pleased you enjoyed these beauties and thank you for taking the time to tell me!
Okay, I couldn’t remember whether I’d left a comment. Scrolling through your comments is a treasure chest that’s filled with golden coins. I gave up looking for the one with my head on it.
OMG! What grace and beauty you’ve captured. The forms, the eggs…. oh I adore the eggs!
If I was as gorgeous as Narcissus, I’d be looking at my reflection as well. Right now, I’m into the vaseline on the lens! π π
Laughing. So funny. I relate fully to he vaseline! Narcissus reminds of people who are obsessed with selfies and post photo after photo of themselves on facebook. It seems almost like they want to convince themselves they really exist. Maybe that was what Narcissus was doing, trying to prove his existence. I should have given him the photo. He could post it on his swan facebook page!
Hahaha! I knew swans and ducks had FB pages!
So self involved of them…….
Swans are amazing creatures Cindy and your photos give them the right honor π
Ahhh, I am so glad! Thank you Irene~
Wild fowl (only slightly miffed really)
Seeks similar for walks in the park, days on the river and generally swanning about.
Must have gosh and ch. No chickens.
Replies as message in a bottle.
π
I just tossed my message in the Holler crick. I am expecting a reply forthwith, and getting my ensemble together to go swanning about.
You’re daft you are. You wouldn’t catch me talking like that. π Have a nice swan about. \…(‘)<
π
These pictures are gorgeous, Cindy! What a privilege to have been in their company! Thanks for sharing.
You would have fallen in love with mama swan, just as I did! <3
Niceβ₯
Thanks much & cheers!
Your usual well composed and interesting photos Cindy
Thanks much Diana & cheers to you~
Herzlichen Dank fΓΌr die tollen Aufnahmen Cindy ! Liebe GrΓΌsse Ernst
GruΓ dir, lieber Ernst! Danke fΓΌr deine Freundlichkeit und hast ein wundervolles Wochenende mein Freund~
A peaceful post, enjoyed with much thanks, Cindy~~
Visa versa 2UX2! Love all your posts~
These pictures are a study in timeless beauty.
Ahh, such a lovely comment. Thank you for your kindness~
AH, CINDY! SUCH LOVELY STORYTELLING SHOTS!
I am very happy you enjoyed these guys Cynthia and Happy Saturday my friend~
So georgous !
Honored. Thank you.
Exquisite shots, Cindy. Love the story you’ve told.
Ahhh, humbled and honored! Thank you~
Love love love.
Sweetheart! <3
Our ducks are broody too. Looks like Monet painted the background second-to-last photo. π¨
– Oscar
Monet rocked it didn’t he. His painting almost look to be true, but they are!
Hi Cindy! I could watch these all day. Gorgeous creatures and there’s an air of mystery about them. <3
Mystery, detachment and grace. Winning combination. I could watch them all day too! <3
So love the Swan with her eggs as she carefully turns them.. Beautiful images as are all your photo’s Cindy.. <3 Enjoy your weekend
You too my friend and thank you for the lovely comment! <3
π
So beautiful, as all of your work is… <3
This is beautiful!…
Very pleased you enjoyed them & cheers to you!
A super good brand new week to you too!
<3 <3 <3
too pretty those swans! I love them so much! pretty animals. Thank you for posting!
We seem to love the same things. How nice is that!
you won’t believe how many people in the world are thinking the same things and have the same crave. amazing!
If we all united, we would be a powerful force for change.
very true! and word press is a fantastic platform that connects people in from a distance with good understanding of communications. I am enjoying every steps of the way with word press.
It is true. They have created a wonderful, world-wide, connecting force. I need to remember that when I grouse about WP glitches.
I like the way they seem to care about each other. I enjoy when you start a story and create interesting ways to picture the stork families “together time.” π π
Happy Friday to you dear Robin & thank you for your thoughtfulness~ <3
They are stunning. Perfect
Your kindness is most appreciated~
Mute swans are among my favourite birds and having photographed them myself, I know how skillfully these pictures were captured!
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you & cheers to you~
You are welcome!
<3