Synonymous with their name, Mute Swans don't make much noise. While shooting photos at the Esquimalt Lagoon recently my attention (as well as my camera ... :-) ) was focused upon a pair of Ospreys hunting fish along the shoreline. Suddenly the stillness of the evening was broken by the unmistakable sounds of large wings beating heavily against the air ... whoosh ... whoosh ... whoosh ... ... a quick glance validates my suspicions ... six or seven Mute Swans have launched themselves into the air to land 30 yards in front of me ... that is, all but one who as a result of a delayed departure enables me to capture it upon "lift off". Quite a sight ... for in order to become airborne from a dead stop Mute Swans must propel themselves forward and gain sufficient momentum to lift an average of 27 (male) or 20 (female) pounds from the water ... if you're a swimmer you'll instantly recognize this is no small feat! Cheers!