“Mommy” and “Daddy” Swans at Ashbridges Bay: November 10, 2020

There is a kindly gentleman who visits Ashbridges Bay daily (in good weather) to feed swans.

When he spots these 2 swans in the distance,

Mute Swans

he signals them by waving his arms:

The swans approach:

Mute Swans and Bufflehead (female)
Mute Swans
Mute Swan

He calls this pair “Mommy” and “Daddy”.

Mute Swans

He was present for both of today’s walks and we all had a good look at these lovely creatures:

Mute Swans and Mallards
Mute Swan

Other birds:

Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee
Mallard (female)
Mallard (male)
Mallards
Mallards
Mallard (female)
Mallard (male)
Gadwall (male)
Gulls
Long-tailed Ducks
Long-tailed Ducks
Mallard (male) and “bib” duck
Mallards (male) and “bib” ducks
hybrid “bib” duck
hybrid “bib” duck
hybrid “bib” duck
Canada Goose

Species list: mute swan, Canada goose, mallard, American black duck, gadwall, long-tailed duck, bufflehead, ring-billed gull, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, black-capped chickadee, American robin, northern cardinal, dark-eyed junco. (14 species)

Park scenes:

Raccoon

Morning group:

Afternoon group:

NATURE POETRY

I spot the hills
With yellow balls in autumn.
I light the prairie cornfields
Orange and tawny gold clusters
And I am called pumpkins.                   – Carl Sandburg (1878–1967)

Miles Hearn

3 thoughts on ““Mommy” and “Daddy” Swans at Ashbridges Bay: November 10, 2020

  1. Lisa Volkov

    Endearing and charming! I don’t imagine there is concern here about the swans being too dependent on him as a food source, and I’m sure other people feed them, too (whether or not they should)!
    Thanks for the dog (and raccoon and birds and ducks) too!

    Reply
  2. Michael Melady

    Thanks Miles for featuring the “gentleman feeding the swans”. That was the highlight of a very wonderful day of warmth and sunshine on your interesting walk.

    Reply

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