Swans question
Dec 28, 2015 08:53:42 #
Swans swim holding their wings above the water line, does anyone know why?
Dec 28, 2015 08:56:20 #
Bultaco wrote:
Swans swim holding their wings above the water line, does anyone know why?
I've never noticed that, but they need them for flying. Lots of big birds will stand with their wings extended to let them dry. Maybe swans want to skip that drying step.
EDIT: Some don't seem to mind wet wings.
http://www.google.com/search?q=swans+images&espv=2&biw=1388&bih=850&site=webhp&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjflfPh2v7JAhVj4IMKHV-cAPIQsAQIGw
Dec 28, 2015 09:43:03 #
Bultaco wrote:
Swans swim holding their wings above the water line, does anyone know why?
Swan don't necessarily swim holding their wings above water. You just happen to catch that instant when this one seems to be doing that. But given the following image isn't it just as likely you caught the swan just as it is starting an effort at takeoff?
Dec 28, 2015 15:29:45 #
Apaflo wrote:
Swan don't necessarily swim holding their wings above water. You just happen to catch that instant when this one seems to be doing that. But given the following image isn't it just as likely you caught the swan just as it is starting an effort at takeoff?
When I was a kid, I saw swans taking off from the water for the first time. Very funny. They run across the surface of the water flapping their wings until they get to "Rotate" speed. :D
Dec 28, 2015 17:08:14 #
I was always under then assumption that this is an aggressive posture. I may be wrong but whenever I see this, I think someone or something is about to get smacked w/ a big white wing. Gary
Dec 29, 2015 07:10:52 #
The photos are of two different birds. Their were dozens swimming around all with their wings up, Photos were taken on the Rhine river while on a river cruise.
Dec 29, 2015 11:16:51 #
Bultaco wrote:
Swans swim holding their wings above the water line, does anyone know why?
Swans are very beautiful birds. I'm sure the wing position is to enhance that beauty.
Dec 29, 2015 12:53:19 #
We have lots of swans in the bay here. They usually swim with their wings in the down position, like ducks. But when they swim with their wings up, they are either courting or warning other birds off. There might be other reasons. This is just my observation. I watched one zoning in on a goose which eventually took flight.
Dec 29, 2015 16:52:39 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.