The cygnets are getting big.

The swans had 5 little ones this year. There were 2 very dark cygnets and 3 almost white ones. They lost 2 in the first couple days. But 3 were growing nicely. Last week we noticed one more gone. Now there are only 2 (one white, one gray).

I had tried to take pictures before, but they normally stay quite far from the house. This morning (at 6am) they were closer. So I snuck out on the deck and zoomed in on them. It was still kind of dark and I had to crop, but I still think you can see them ok.

Just wanted to share.

Here is another pic. It is hard to see the darker cygnet, but he is there.

Very nice cparts!

Hi, cpartschick, I've been wondering what's been happening with your swans. Sad that only two have made it. I remember your concern about the darker ones in the very early days. Interesting that one of them is one that has survived.

What surprises me, is that they were so far away. Generally with Mute Swans, as soon as they see you, they come steaming over to demand bread, with menaces ;-)

The white ones are 'Polish' morph birds, a minor genetic variant a bit like different eye colour in people, but mostly only visible in cygnets; the adults can only be told by their feet being slightly paler, a dark pinkish-grey, not nearly black.

Resin

Wow interesting! I had never seen them that white before. I was wondering.

No, these guys are quite shy. After taking the pictures, they heard me quietly click the door shut as I went back into the house and they took off. They pretty much stay away from people and boats. That is why I have such a hard time getting pictures.

Maybe no one here feeds them and they don't know how to beg. The lakefront owners put up string fences to keep the geese and such off their grass. They can leave quite the mess.