Black Swan
Black Swans. I was walking around a lake one sunny afternoon, watching the water birds, when I caught a glimpse of two adult black swans and several cygnets briefly swimming out from behind some reeds before quickly disappearing again. I felt a surge of excitement and was determined to get a good photo.
I made my way around to the sunny side of the lake, so the light would be shining from behind me and illuminating the swans if they ventured closer. As I approached, I noticed a large male kangaroo lying peacefully by the water, sleeping in the sun. Careful not to disturb it, I crept forward slowly until I reached the edge of the lake, just a few metres away. The kangaroo stirred, sleepily lifting its head to glance at me, but seemed unbothered by my presence. This was the perfect spot. Now, I just had to wait.
I stayed there for over an hour, patiently hoping the swans would swim my way. Meanwhile, the kangaroo dozed on and off, then eventually got up and lazily began grazing nearby. I started to wonder if I’d made the right choice, maybe the swans wouldn’t come over after all.
Suddenly, they appeared from behind the reeds, gliding swiftly toward me. I raised my camera and managed to capture a few photos as they passed. I’m so happy with the image above: one of the parent swans is with the young cygnets, all curiously looking around. I love the composition and the way the colours reflect off the water.
Although they look calm in the photo, they were moving quickly, and before I knew it, they’d passed me by. Some days I wait for hours with my camera, and the moment I’m hoping for never arrives. But today, that moment came, and waiting beside the kangaroo was absolutely worth it. I’m thrilled with the photo I captured, which now also features on some of my products.
Physical appearance
Black Swans are large, elegant birds with striking black plumage and a bright red-orange bill tipped with white. Their wings are lined with white flight feathers, which are visible when they open their wings in flight. Their long necks form graceful curves, often held in an S-shape. They also have unique, ornamental rear feathers that curl gracefully over their backs. Juvenile swans, known as cygnets, are covered in soft grey down and gradually darken as they mature.
Habitat
Black Swans are found across much of Australia, favouring freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They prefer habitats with ample aquatic vegetation and quiet shorelines for nesting. Occasionally, they can be seen in estuaries or even urban lakes and ornamental ponds. Black swans are graceful flyers, traveling long distances often during the night, in search of water and food.
Behaviour
Diet: Black Swans are vegetarians and primarily feed on aquatic plants, algae, and submerged weeds. They forage by dipping their long necks underwater, often upending like ducks to reach deeper vegetation.
Social Birds: They are highly social and may form large flocks outside the breeding season. During breeding, pairs become territorial and defend their nesting area vigorously.
Calls: Their call is a musical, bugling sound, though they may also hiss or grunt when threatened.
Breeding
Nesting: Black Swans build large nests from reeds and grasses, usually on islands or hidden among dense waterside vegetation. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and later share the responsibility of caring for the cygnets.
Breeding period: Breeding often occurs in winter.
