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Much Ado About A Mute Swan – Part 5

Modified on February 3, 2010 at 9:54 AM

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MUCH ADO ABOUT A MUTE SWAN: Part 5
“Some Day My Prince Will Come.”


It was a cold Saturday morning and frost had formed on the raw branches of my Japanese maple trees. The small lake was perfectly still as the lone male swan silently parted the water and created a beautiful wake in his path. I grabbed some bread to see if I could coax him to the dock for a feeding.

He saw me and turned course towards the dock. He swam with a furious intent that disturbed the water and the lake was no longer a peaceful scene in the biting morning air. The eerie stillness had been broken. He puffed up his wings and his neck and swam back and forth, back and forth, in front of my feet, evening me wearily. Finally, he stuck his long neck out, and started biting my black boots, and then frightened by his own audacity, quickly retreated, and started swimming back and forth again with puffed feathers. I offered him a piece of wheat bread and softly said, “Hi, I am sorry about your girl, I miss her too.” He eyed me and then the bread, and then swam off, without even taking a bite.

Somehow his grief had turned to anger. This was fascinating to watch because I had read that some birds had a depth and range of emotions, but I had never seen it first-hand. I had no scientific background and could only intuit what I was seeing. The swan swam to the other side of the lake. I called out to him with a trilling sound, but he swam behind some reeds. I went back to my house because he was obviously snubbing me. I think the art of snubbing is universal, whether you are a human or animal.

This male swan no doubt saw me as ‘the other man’, who his Princess spent her last days with. From his point of view, she went across the street one last time, and was returned, by one of those hairy creatures that walks on two legs, and she was dead. I felt like I needed to somehow make his situation right.

I returned later that afternoon with more bread. He saw me from across the lake, and I made a trilling sound to call him again. He arrived at the dock, and puffed up even bigger this time. Later I would learn this posture was called ‘busking’ and swans do it to look threatening and establish territory. I threw some bread into the water and said, “Here you go, Prince. Although you are certainly no Prince Charming”. He eyed me again and started nibbling at the bread. He watched me in his periphery to make sure I didn’t make any sudden moves. I threw some more bread and he ate some more, still very suspicious and untrusting. And then he turned up his tail and left again. I was double-snubbed.

That afternoon, I was determined to make friends with this swan whether he liked it or not. He was now the only swan on the lake, and, I missed Princess. I figured that Grumpy Swan with no social skills was better than no swan at all. He certainly wouldn’t be a replacement for Princess, but he and I would have to learn to like each other. I went out there every day for the next week, and he came a little closer each time and he ate a little more each time.

The next I decided to go sit on the dock alone and start singing Christmas songs. I can be alone there, away from the noisy house, and get inspired by the beauty of the lake. I didn’t have bread. But the swan must have heard me singing, because he came charging out of some nearby reeds. His wings were clipped, so he couldn’t fly, but nonetheless, he lifted those wings and practically ran across the water. He made such a splash in front of me that he soaked my pants. Someone had their feathers in a bunch. I stopped singing.

I looked at him and he was ready to stare me down. I sat there, stone still, and just stared back, and all was silent. He wasn’t going to blink or break my gaze, and I wasn’t blinking either. I said, “You’re pretty good at that. For a swan, and all. Okay, you win”. And then I started singing again.

I had a Michael W. Smith tune in my head now and I closed my eyes. I sang in a low, soft voice, “Alleluja….Alleluja… Holy…Holy… Oh Lord, God, Almighty…Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb … Amen…” I slowly opened my eyes. Prince sat in front of me, perfectly still, bowing his head, with his eyes closed. He slowly opened his eyes, and then closed them tightly, and he bowed his head even deeper. I started singing again, “Alleluja…. Alleluja….” and I just repeated that phrase softly over and over again. This time I watched Prince, and he fell into a trance-like state, opening and shutting his eyes, bowing his head into an S-curve, sitting perfectly still in front of me.

I knelt down on the dock, still singing, and got within 6 inches of Prince’s beak. He didn’t even notice me as he squeezed his eyes tightly shut and held them closed. He listened intently to the singing, wings folded softly on his back. I don’t know how long I sang, maybe a half an hour or so. I simply couldn’t believe that music had soothed this savage beast.

When I stopped singing, Prince resumed his posturing and started fluffing his wings again and looking irritated. He swam away and that was my cue to go home. I couldn’t wait to tell my husband what happened. When I did, he got a smirk on his face, and he made the obvious joke about my singing. I said, “I am telling you, this swan was bowing at my feet and he let me come near his face without flinching”. Fine. My husband didn’t buy it. I went online and found some vets in Florida called The Regal Swan that specialize in caring for mute swans. I wrote them an email about what I had experienced and asked what I meant. (I am a typical woman, over-analyzing every interaction with anyone or anything). I got an email back that was rather puzzled in tone. They explained that mute swans are NOT friendly birds, and that even their feeders and handlers had to be cautious of them.

On a bad day, a mute swan has enough power in his wing to break a grown man’s leg, and the swan will do it if he feels his territory is threatened. On a good day, the swan may only nip and peck at clothing. But sometimes, swans have been known to ‘accept’ their human feeders, and they show acceptance by doing head bows and occasional nods. They whimsically ended the email with, “Congratulations, your swan LIKES you!”

I went back to my husband and announced that the swan liked me, so there! The swan had accepted me into his inner circle. I felt so special. :-)

And I know what you’re thinking, this is going to be yet another ‘me and my pet’ story that no one else finds interesting except the author herself. Bleah. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Little did I know that Prince and I were to have a long friendship ahead of us, and that Prince would become the subject of a new bill in our state legislature, that I would end up testifying before the senate (and making a fool of myself), that this story would eventually be covered by several newspapers, our local TV station and NPR….

But, I am not going to tell you about all that yet. There’s still a lot to say about the events leading up to the media fiasco.

(Stay tuned for part 6)

– Sarah Polyakov

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Posted By Sarah Polyakov
on February 3, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Filed Under: Home Life
Tagged With: mute swan, mute swans, Prince, The Regal Swan

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

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I miss summer already 😭 Take me back to a bett I miss summer already 😭

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Can’t wait to go again next year! 🙌🏻✨🤸🏻‍♀️

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Somebody hold me. 😭

I asked him if he could stay 12 for one more year but he didn’t like that idea. 😒 Was worth a shot, right? 

Scroll for the outtakes 😂😂😂

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Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

Lost Empire Herbs stands out as a remarkable family venture led by three health-conscious brothers who share a profound dedication to a wholesome, active lifestyle. 

Their journey began with a modest kitchen table and the introduction of pine pollen, but it has since evolved into something truly remarkable, exceeding all expectations.😱

What truly sets Lost Empire Herbs apart is their extensive collective knowledge, derived from years of hands-on experience, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to explore new horizons. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance lives, they made a resolute decision to make the benefits of these exceptional herbs accessible to a wider audience. 

Their primary focus revolves around offering hormonal support, a vital consideration given the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in today's world, although their scope extends beyond this singular realm. 🌱 

I'm genuinely enthused about the prospect of trying out their products, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally experience the transformative effects of these wellness herbs. The brothers' evident passion and expertise have left me intrigued and eager to embark on a journey towards total wellness, guided by the offerings of Lost Empire Herbs.

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Story Land in Glen NH is a great way to make some beautiful summer memories with your family! If you live in the New England area, definitely plan a visit before summer slips through your fingers, mama! ☀️ 🏖️ 

LIKE + SHARE if you needed this reminder to slow down and have fun! 

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram
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COMMENT and tell me which part your kiddos would like the best! 👇🏻

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I miss summer already 😭 Take me back to a bett I miss summer already 😭

Take me back to a better place 👉🏻 summer time at @storylandnh !! 🥳🥳🥳🥳

Can’t wait to go again next year! 🙌🏻✨🤸🏻‍♀️

#summertime #familytime #familyadventures #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged
What they remember about their childhood is in you What they remember about their childhood is in your hands 🫶🏻

#motherhood #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodintheraw
This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. 🥳

Can’t believe my oldest son is 13 and outside helping dad do home projects like building a new deck. 🤯 Seems like yesterday he was in his walker on this back deck and it looked a lot better 😂

Thankful that @homedepot has great prices so we could finally afford to do this home reno project! 💪🏻🎉

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #hereisourhomeschool #motherhoodthroughinstagram
My first born son turned 13 years old today. 😱 My first born son turned 13 years old today. 😱

Somebody hold me. 😭

I asked him if he could stay 12 for one more year but he didn’t like that idea. 😒 Was worth a shot, right? 

Scroll for the outtakes 😂😂😂

This kid blows me away daily and makes me so proud to be his mom. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I love this child. 😭

Drop a comment and wish this boy a happy birthday! 🎉🎂 

#homeschoollife #homeschoolfamily #momlife #momlifeunfiltered #momlifeunplugged
Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to sta Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to stay healthy and fit is harder. 🏋🏼‍♀️🥵

Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

Lost Empire Herbs stands out as a remarkable family venture led by three health-conscious brothers who share a profound dedication to a wholesome, active lifestyle. 

Their journey began with a modest kitchen table and the introduction of pine pollen, but it has since evolved into something truly remarkable, exceeding all expectations.😱

What truly sets Lost Empire Herbs apart is their extensive collective knowledge, derived from years of hands-on experience, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to explore new horizons. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance lives, they made a resolute decision to make the benefits of these exceptional herbs accessible to a wider audience. 

Their primary focus revolves around offering hormonal support, a vital consideration given the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in today's world, although their scope extends beyond this singular realm. 🌱 

I'm genuinely enthused about the prospect of trying out their products, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally experience the transformative effects of these wellness herbs. The brothers' evident passion and expertise have left me intrigued and eager to embark on a journey towards total wellness, guided by the offerings of Lost Empire Herbs.

@lostempireherbs #lostempireherbs #holistichealth #holistichealing #holisticwellness #holisticlifestyle #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodthroughinstagram #unleashthepowerofnature #rootingforyourhealth #hormonehealth @apexdropofficial
Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !! It s Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !!

It seems like summer is almost over and you’re probably scrambling to get all the things done on your bucket list. But don’t forget to slow down and have some fun with your kids this summer!!

Story Land in Glen NH is a great way to make some beautiful summer memories with your family! If you live in the New England area, definitely plan a visit before summer slips through your fingers, mama! ☀️ 🏖️ 

LIKE + SHARE if you needed this reminder to slow down and have fun! 

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire t Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire this summer? Living Shores Aquarium in Glen NH is an indoor walk through adventure that allows your whole family to discover the wonders of the ocean year-round. 

The aquarium includes interactive tide pools, exhibits, and tons of immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays and nibble fish, interact with tropical birds and so much more. They even have axolotls and sharks! There is so much to see. We spent over 3 hours exploring the exhibits! And of course we had to stop in the amazing gift shop before we left. Don’t miss it! 

Living Shores is a fun, interactive environment that is perfect for the whole family! If you’re going to visit the White Mountains this summer, definitely make time to stop at @livingshoresnh! 🐠 🐟 🦀 

COMMENT and tell me which part your kiddos would like the best! 👇🏻

 #familytime #motherhoodunplugged #momlifeunfiltered #whitemountains #familygoals #familyfriendly
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