Mute Swan (Melody)

We arrived at Fair Haven Beach State Park on Saturday, June 20th.  It was a hot day--82 degrees Fahrenheit with enough humidity to make it uncomfortable.  My family comes here each year for a cabin-camping vacation.  We have stayed in the same few cabins around Sterling Pond for at least 30 years.  Every year, there is usually a swan or two swimming along the far side of the pond.  This year, I was surprised to see several families.  On my way to watch the sun set over Lake Ontario, I came across this trio preening in the pond:

Mute Swans are technically considered invasive, although in this area they seem incorporated into the ecosystem.  They eat so much that they can out-compete other waterfowl.  Mute Swans are large, completely white birds with long necks which they dip into the water to feed.  They are distinguished from other swans by their beaks.  Adults have a bright orange, downwards-pointing beak that has a black base.  When they fly from one side of the pond to the other, it almost sounds like a helicopter due to their large wings and how close they are to the water!