Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
White Swan Washing

I was taking pictures at the John Heinz Wildlife Preserve in Philadelphia, PA. There was a pair of, what I believe are, juvenile, dark-morph Mute Swans. They were very pretty and standing very near to the boardwalk that crosses the freshwater marsh. Perhaps there was a log just submerged for them to stand on. They were focused on preening and not at all concerned with the visitors crossing the boardwalk. It was a unique opportunity to take pictures at a very close range.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Copyright: © Hilary Vadner