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Gigantic Step


Gigantic Step
Photo Information
Copyright: Jim Costello (bullybeef53) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 33 W: 5 N: 197] (943)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-06-04
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 40D, Canon EF70-200mm f2.8L, Canon 77mm UV Filter
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/2000 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): A - Z Birds [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-06-20 14:51
Viewed: 3557
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
“Gigantic Step” is the name of this photo. It’s a long ways down and I better be careful. This young cygnet is getting used to a new environment.
A native of northern and central Eurasia, the Mute Swan was introduced into North America to grace the ponds of parks and estates. Escaped individuals have established breeding populations in several areas, where their aggressive behavior threatens native waterfowl.
Young swans are called cygnets.
Mute cygnets are either grayish brown with slate gray legs and feet or white with grey legs and tan/pink feet.
The grey versions have slate colored bills and the white ones have tan bills.
All cygnets lack the basal knob on their bills. After 12 months the young will have their adult plumage.
After 5 weeks of incubation the cygnets hatch and begin to swim within a day or two.
They are protected by their parents for their first few months.
They are independent in about 18 weeks and fully grown at 6 months.
They are ready to fly in 4 to 5 months and they may leave their home territory.
In any case, they will be driven off by their parents before the next breeding season.
Many cygnets die during their first year, mostly due to flying accidents.
writerscrawlz, aido has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

What an adorable fluff ball! Can I keep him? I just love the way you captured the softness of his feathers, the innocence that these babies have, and simple put, what a superb shot! Your notes are also terrific. His pose his endearing your title really nails what this is all about. Thanks so much for posting!

  • Great 
  • aido Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 1044 W: 156 N: 1218] (4046)
  • [2008-06-20 15:42]

Hello Jim,
Your title is perfect for this image, I imagine it's a huge step for this youngster. What I really like is that you've captured something of the essence of this young swan, an innocence perhaps but clearly he's thinking about his next step in the big wide world. Technically everything is great, exposure is spot-on. Great image.
Regards,
Adrian

Hi Jim,
"This looks very wet...":-)
Well done
TFS
Annick

Hi Jim,
SOOOOOOOO Sweet!! Interesting notes.. Well seen and taken.
I love it.
Best Regards,
Jane

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