There are seven species of swans, all graceful and lovely. Many of us are familiar with the one called trumpeter. The one we will look at today is a close relative, the whistling swan.
This swan nests around the Arctic Ocean and the Hudson Bay region of Canada and flies to southern Canada and the United States for the winter months. It is strictly a water bird, larger than a goose and very graceful when either swimming or flying.
Among the seven species, the whistling swan has the sharpest, most piercing call, which accounts for its nickname whooper. Actually it doesn’t do much whistling, but makes a loud, musical “woo-ho, woo-woo.” It’s the whistling-like calls as it flies that have given it the whistling name.
Although related to ducks and geese, this bird looks a lot different and is much larger. It doesn’t mix with them except when they might by chance pick the same wintering home. Migration follows three flyways—one down the Atlantic coast, another along the Pacific coast, and the third over the Midwestern United States. They fly in long lines and at great heights, at speeds up to 50 miles per hour!
Watching swans swimming in a pond or lake is a lovely sight, with their long, straight necks and sharp eyes searching the water for a fish. Beautiful snow-white feathers completely cover this lovely bird except for a yellow spot between the nostrils and eyes. The feet, legs and bill are black.
Full-grown males may weigh 25 pounds or more and have wingspreads as much as 7 feet across. But in spite of their size, they float gracefully on lakes and ponds and are excellent swimmers. Leaving the water is something to watch. First, they flap their wings vigorously, to raise their bodies in the water. Then, with wings still flapping, they run along the surface with their necks stretched out. Finally, they pull their feet back under their tails and are airborne. When returning to the water, they glide down, and when just above the surface, they extend their feet to touch the water first, then glide before coming to rest.
These birds mate for life, showing much attention to each other, as well as their young. Cygnets (baby swans) are raised in huge nests, five or six feet across. It takes almost five months of the parents’ protection and training before they are on their own.
The psalmist certainly enjoyed the creation of the Lord and often wrote about it. “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.... He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered” (Psalm 111:2-42The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 3His work is honorable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalm 111:2‑4)). Do you remember to thank Him for His care over you, and have you accepted Him as your Savior?