Our Friend, The Mute Swan. Photography & Text by Keith R Wahl

March 29, 2023  •  Leave a Comment

Elegant & Demure

Approaching Mute Swan

Approaching Mute Swan 20230310 850_7375Approaching Mute SwanMute Swan (Cygnus Olor) with a slightly dirty neck swimming my way in the Mill Pond off Annaquatucket Road in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

A mute swan in the evening is an august creature. The graceful bird glides on the rippling water. Most of its white feathers reflecting the soft light of the setting sun. Its long neck curves with elegance, stained where it dips its head in the water. Its orange bill contrasts with its black face.

The mute swan does not exist in true silence, but it makes very few vocalizations compared to other swans. Instead, it communicates with body language and wing gestures. It will raise its wings in a display of dominance or aggression or lower them in a sign of submission or affection.

The mute swan is loyal to its mate and will defend its territory with ferocity. This evening, it decides to swim over to me and strikes an demure pose. This demonstrates why the mute swan is a symbol of beauty and purity in many cultures and legends.

Nearing Mute Swan

Nearing Mute Swan 20230310 850_7376Nearing Mute SwanMute Swan (Cygnus Olor) with a slightly dirty neck swimming my way in the Mill Pond off Annaquatucket Road in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Swimming Mute Swan

Swimming Mute Swan 20230310 850_7377Swimming Mute SwanMute Swan (Cygnus Olor) with a slightly dirty neck swimming my way in the Mill Pond off Annaquatucket Road in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Turning Mute Swan

Turning Mute Swan 20230310 850_7378Turning Mute SwanMute Swan (Cygnus Olor) with a slightly dirty neck swimming my way in the Mill Pond off Annaquatucket Road in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

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© Keith R Wahl, Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Keith R Wahl and Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery with appropriate and specific direction to the original. 

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