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Swans in Focus: Secrets of the Elegant Waterbirds Revealed!
Discover Mülheim an der Ruhr and find out more about the fascinating swans, their lifestyle and cultural significance.
Swans in Focus: Secrets of the Elegant Waterbirds Revealed!
Who doesn't love the elegant swans that glide majestically over our waters? Especially now that the leaves are starting to change color, they are a classic motif and wonderful to look at. In a picture of a mute swan, which can be found on LokalKompakt, you can see these animals in their full splendor.
Swans belong to the genus Cygnus and are the largest duck birds, with an impressive wingspan of up to 240 cm. This clearly makes them an eye-catcher in nature (Wikipedia). While most European species impress with their pure white plumage, there are also the famous black swans from Australia, which exude a charm of their own with their completely black appearance.
The lifestyle of swans
These graceful birds not only live in picturesque swamps, shallow lakes and calmly flowing rivers, but also require accessible grounds to support their livelihood. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, but they also enliven their menu with aquatic insects, mollusks and small fish (Wikipedia).
What is particularly fascinating is that swans form lifelong pair bonds. Up to 97% of mute swans breed with the same partner the following year, which is a notable exception in the animal world. Their nest, built from aquatic plants and twigs, can grow from year to year, with both parents actively involved in nest building.
Cultural heritage
Swans are not only a part of our nature, but also an integral part of our culture and history. In the Middle Ages, keeping swans was considered a sovereign right and their harassment was subject to severe punishment. In art we find them, for example, in the fairy tale “The Ugly Duckling” or in the famous ballet “Swan Lake” (Wikipedia).
The consumption of swan meat may be rare today, but in centuries past, recipes for baked swan were passed down with great care. Interestingly, in some religious texts the consumption of swans is viewed as problematic.
Whether it's a walk by the water or a special photo shoot, like the great picture on FotoCommunity, swans remain a topic that fascinates young and old alike. It's clear that these majestic birds are much more than just a pretty picture - they are part of a rich history and way of life that is worth exploring.