Trumpet Solo on My Lake

Last Thursday was a windy, cold and rainy, but in spite of the gnarliness, the weather brought in some birdies that we don’t normally get to see.  Like this fella.

Trumpeter swan that dropped in for a wee visit last Thursday.

The trumpeter started trumpeting, and while I’m quite certain it was trying to attract the attention of another trumpter, it instead attracted the attention of Mr. Gawky, the mute swan.

Mr. Gawky all puffed up.

From the point of view of the trumpeter swan–or any other swan for that matter–Mr. Gawky’s puffed-up approach was not a friendly one.  But the trumpeter swan was up for the challenge and went after Mr. Gawky.

Trumpeter going after Mr. Gawky.

The trumpeter moved a lot of water while going after Mr. Gawky.

Looking good for the trumpeter swan so far.

But then Mr. Gawky reared up and the trumpeter swan reared up.

The two swans flare up at each other.

And the two swans went around in circles.

The two swans challenging each other.

The agressive, but no-touch dance continued…

Mr. Gawky seems to be getting the upper hand.

Somehow in the twirling and flapping, Mr. Gawky started going after the trumpeter swan.

Mr. Gawky going after the trumpeter swan.

And with that, the trumpeter ran off to the other side of the lake.

Trumpeter running across the water, about to get airborne.

It takes a lot to get such a big bird into the air.

Still running....

Finally, the big bird took to the air.

Trumpeter heading to the other side of the lake.

Mr. Gawky followed suit, the trumpeter took off and landed again.  Then both Mr. AND Mrs. Gawky approached all puffed up.

Mr. and Mrs. Gawkys going after the trumpeter swan.

Out-numbered, the big white bird took to the air again. 

Mr. Gawky bidding the trumpeter a final good-bye.

And with that, I said good-bye to the first solo trumpeter swan I’ve ever seen on our lake.  The visit lasted less than an hour. 

Good luck my feathery friend.

Trumpeter swan taking to the air again.
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