Saturday, January 3, 2026

Saturday Critters #629

A Juvenile Mute Swan, or cygnet, 
can take 2 - 4 years to lose it's birth feathers of tan and gray and become completely white.
Once they are purely white in color they leave their tribe and go off on their own.
Once that transition has occurred, the swan will seek out a mate,
most commonly, the swan will pick a mate from the flock it has been with and they mate for life.
Mute swans are extremely intelligent.
If you are kind to them, admire them or speak gently to them, they will remember you for life.
But don't cross them...they will remember that also.
I have had so many interactions with Mute Swans, I have never had any negative interactions with them,
and have felt, at times, that they remembered me.

I took these pictures on November 18th, 2025 at Lake of the Lilies
and never shared them here.



This swan is still watching me, can you see it's open eye?

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 
for Saturdays Critters

13 comments:

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Swans are beautiful birds. You got some great shots.

May Salty Pumpkin said...

Thank you. I didn’t know it takes that long for them to turn white. Beautiful birds
May

DeniseinVA said...

How lovely to be remembered by a swan. Thank you for the information. I had no idea it took four years for them to develop their white feathers. Loved your photos!

DrumMajor said...

Interesting transition patterns. Beautiful. Linda in Kansas

Marie Smith said...

Fantastic shots, Debbie! They are magnificent creatures!

The Happy Whisk said...

They are beautiful. Love that they remember you. That's neat for sure.

Dicky Bird said...

What nice photos of the swan. I didn't know those facts, thanks for sharing.

Lowcarb team member said...

Lovely captures Debbie.
Happy Saturday.

All the best Jan

eileeninmd said...

Hello Debbie,
Thanks for sharing the information on the juvenile swans.
They are beautiful, I love their faces and eyes.
The one is watching you, I hope it will remember you forever. Lovely photos!
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

R's Rue said...

So pretty.

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

It's been a while since you featured a swan! They are incredible birds it is amazing how far they fly from summer and winter grounds.

Jeanie said...

He's so lovely. I don't think I've ever seen them when they are still tan.

Conniecrafter said...

You know I think I may like them more with a bit of color than all white. I do love him peeking at you in that last picture :)