I was watching several birds from afar for a while, including several Tundra Swans spread out on the ice. Everyone was resting, not a care in the world. I was hoping for a swan takeoff.
And I almost missed it! Looking elsewhere, I caught the movement out of the corner of my eye. A pair were suddenly on the run across the ice.
Averaging about 3 feet tall, 13 to 20 pounds, with a wingspan of 5 to 6 feet, that’s a lot of bird to get in the air.
Here’s how they do it! I stayed with them and took 10 photos for the airborne shot.
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Tundra Swans beginning their takeoff
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It takes a lot of distance….
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With a lot of wing strides…..
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And a lot of running…..
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To lift that body…..
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Into the air!
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Airborne!
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Photos taken 1/11/22 – Private Farm, Starr Rd., Queen Anne’s County, MD
