Conversation With a Beautiful Swan
I set out early today on an all-day hike in the ACFL North looking for wildlife. I covered eight miles of trail and did not see much. I heard woodpeckers, owls, and other birds. The beavers have been active on several trees around Big Beaver Pond. I worked my way to the lookout area on Big Beaver Pond and found the resident Trumpeter Swans. There was one performing the preening dance with the skill of a beautiful ballerina.
She had stopped preening for a minute and was looking at me. I started a telepathic conversation with her, hoping to get a complete wing display. It was not vocal. I always let the wildlife do all the talking when I’m out-N-about. You may think I am nuts, but I do not get the shots I get many times without interaction. She understood what I was wanting and began the wing stretch. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking and had nothing to do with telepathic communication. However, I do find if you let nature do all the talking and give them a respectful distance magical things will happen.
The magic moment was happening. I was getting the look of “I am thinking about it just for you” then I got a half stretch with the expression, “is this good enough?”
I said, “Well, that is beautiful. However, I would love a bit more. Then here comes a complete stretch with a fantastic pose.
The Trumpeter Swans performing their fluid dance is beautiful!
Big Beaver Pond, Anacortes
02.15.2023
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