A Very Devoted Bird
“He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge…” (Psalm 9:4 NIV)
I like pairing this image with the words of Psalm 9:4.
The baby swan hitching a ride chooses to climb up on its mother’s back. Like God with His children, the mother invites her baby to snuggle close, but doesn’t compel it to. These mother’s wings shield the baby from the hot sun. Her body also offers practical protection. Many predatory fish, birds and turtles won’t attack a newborn shielded by its mother.
As a full grown adult, I’d definitely flee from an aggressive swan.
Some fun facts:
- Baby swans are called cygnets. This word comes from the Latin “cygnus” meaning “swan.”
- Many species of swans mate for life.
- The female usually incubates the eggs, while the male guards his family’s territory.
- The eggs hatch in about six weeks.
- The newly hatched cygnets are able to swim and dive within a day or two.
- If either the female or male swan is killed, the survivor can raise their offspring alone.
- Turtles, pike, crows, herons, large perch and magpies all prey on newborn swans.
- Both parents may carry the babies on their backs.
- Swans in the wild usually live 12 years,
This image came from Pixabay.com.
Resources:
Here’s a link to many more images of swans carrying their young.
