Spotted these two at Venus Pool in Shropshire yesterday! Never seen a black swan & mute swan together, and they really were together, swimming round and feeding together! Would it be likely that they would breed as well?
They look beautiful together Marjus - would they have pied young?
It is possible, but probably unlikely. They probably won't be pairing up at this time of the year anyway. Swans gather together in large numbers in the winter as they don't hold their territories like they do in spring so maybe both are just wanting someone to hang around with for a while?
Obviously don't know enough to answer your question, but thought I'd post in appreciation of your photo - they make a striking pair though.
I also don't know the answer but would add that stranger things have happened. I so want to say how much I love your photograph.
Hello.
I don't know enough to know whether they would eventually pair up or not. However that is a brilliant picture.
Paul.
Brilliant photo MarJus. I don't know the answer either but it could possibly be that they have both lost mates and so are enjoying the companionship.
Thinking about it, the swan which has a white body but black neck and head (sorry, can't recall the name) must have happened somehow.....
Thanks everyone! It just seemed odd to me as most of the mutes at Venus chase off any intruder mutes to the pool, so was surprised to find these together like it!! Of course you are right though Kat; birds are generally far more tolerant of one another in the winter months! Would be interesting if it was possible to follow these two and see what happens in the future!!
I know the swan you mean Squirrel! Called a black necked swan I think! (Not much imagination there!!) ;-)
I agree MarJus - but it beats the unpronounceable names given to some moths!
Squirrel B said: I agree MarJus - but it beats the unpronounceable names given to some moths!
How true!! Add fungi to that! :-)
Hi MarJus
Love your picture of your Black Swan, and your Mute Swan.
Contrast of colour going on there.
Not sure about the breeding habits of Swans {Hmmmm}
I know Ducks/Geese are not fussy.
Not sure of Swans
A link about Black Swans and they are native to Australia
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http://www.honoluluzoo.org/black_swan.htm
Regards
Kathy and Dave