25 April 2012

Swans, and Magpie Geese

admiring how sweet .. Mother Swan, and her beautiful little cygnets, at the Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo


a closeup of the Daddy Swan ...and the last.  I hadn't noticed that he had Attitude, until exhibiting quite some momentum as he surged toward the bank.  Hadn't planned on being attacked by a swan either, so it was at this point that a quick retreat back to the car eventuated. 


Magpie Goose seen at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland




According to Birds in Backyards, it would appear that the goose at the front is a male, since the knob on the crown is large.  This also, characteristically increases in size as the bird ages.

Sharing with World Bird Wednesday

22 comments:

CameraCruise said...

Beautiful shots!
Love to see the Black Swans and their chicks.
The Black Swans here never seem to be able to raise their chicks.

Unknown said...

Great shots!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

theconstantwalker said...

It's so wonderful to see the Black Swans Carole. As you probably know I have them on my patch.. wonderful birds to see.
xx

Reena said...

Great photos and love seeing those little ones! That Daddy Swan does mean business!

TexWisGirl said...

that first swan photo is just beautiful - the ripples, the water color. sorry mr. swan attacked! yikes!

that magpie goose is a very odd looking thing! so strangely put together!

Carletta said...

Such sweet little cygnets!
That first image is just lovely!

Jan Castle said...

Good thing you took to your car...I understand their attack can be 'uncomfortable'!!!
Jan

Dianne said...

Those little cygnets are just gorgeous ... I look for them along our rivers but have never been able to capture them. The Dubbo zoo must be a photographers delight Carole with such wide expanses of natural habitats.

penny said...

Hi Carole, how precious those fuzzy cygnets look swimming with their beautiful Mother. Swans can be quite nasty, just ask my son who was attacked by one when he was a young lad.
The Magpie Goose has a very curious looking nose :>)

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

The black mother swan is beautiful and her little cygnets are adorable. Father swan was doing a good job of protecting his family.

jeanlivingsimple said...

I adore the shot of Mama Swan and her babes!
Gee...the Magpie Goose is an interesting looking bird.:)

mick said...

A great series of photos. I really like the color and texture of the water in the first couple of photos.

NatureStop said...

Carol, Nice shots...love the swans.Have a great day!

Shantana

Anonymous said...

I can relate to your being chased! I also have been chased by one, who managed to nip my ankle in the process, causing it to bleed! This happened 42 yrs. ago and to this day I do not like being around them!

Your photos of the Mother Swan and her cygnets are adorable!

fjÀllripan said...

Beautiful photos, I am fascinated over the black swan! And the duck also looks very special :)

A wondering star said...

Wow, amazing birds!
The beautiful black Swane are some places here in Norway.
Have a nice day!

Brian King said...

I love the Black Swans! They're gorgeous. I've never seen geese like those. They're dramatically different from the Canada Geese I'm accustomed to.

Nadege, said...

Wow, beautiful shots...I love the wonderful lighting and reflections in the water in the swans images.

Ronnie said...

Magic pictures of lovely birds !

Lori P said...

Love the pics and your description! That guy did look irritated. And the last birds are just plain unattractive. :) (the birds, not the pics.)

Karin M. said...

Oh ... such beautiful nature scenes,
the birds you've captured beautifully...
Best regards, Karin

Ida said...

Oh I love Black Swans.