Love and Fidelity

As I gaze out my window, I am privileged to watch two elegant mute swans gracefully glide across the Charles River on their early morning journey. They bring an elegance of grace, beauty, and contentment to the start of my day.

Mute swans were brought to America from Europe. They were introduced to ponds in parks and estates as an ornamental attraction, which is still practiced today on private properties. Mute swans are the largest members of the waterfowl family and are amongst the largest flying birds. They are in the same family as ducks and geese, both of whom are quite vocal, whereas mute swans are rather quiet. They vocalize by making soft sounds of grunts and honks, which are understood by other species of swans. Their paddle-like feet allow them to be very efficient swimmers; however, on land, they have an awkward walk. Their walk is similar to waddling, which could have been inherited from their relatives, the ducks and geese.

 How lucky for us that we live in New England, where mute swans are prevalent, and we are fortunate to witness their habitat and their love and devotion they display to each other, and are dedicated co-parents who raise their young together.

It is often asked if mute swans go South in the Winter.  Unlike the so-called snow birds that fly south to avoid the cold, mute swans withstand the cold by moving around between bodies of water in a slightly warmer region.  They bear the cold and remain close to home.

There is an expression called “swan song” which is used as a slang term when referring to a final act.  If a partner has succumbed, a new partner will be found.  Just a point of interest.  Divorce lawyers would not fare well in Swanland.

Love and fidelity are two most significant words that aptly describe mute swans. They are symbols of love in many cultures.  They symbolize the strength of love and the importance of fidelity.