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MUTE SWAN DEFAECATION AND PREENING

on 13th June 2012

“On the sunny afternoon of 25th May 2012, I was strolling along the peaceful shores of Lake Annecy (Haute-Savoie region, France) and admiring the blinding white plumage of the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor, French name: Cygne Tuberculé) as it drifted across the shallow waters like a ballerina on stage. Then all of a sudden, this picture of grace and beauty was disrupted when the swan leaned toward one side and silently defaecated into the clear waters in a dense cloud that was equivalent to a bowl of green bean soup (above). This must have consisted of the digested vegetable matter that forms much of its natural diet.

“Soon after, the swan regained its graceful composure and began to preen itself quietly, carefully tending to all its snowy white feathers and ensuring that they remain in pristine condition (above & below).”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
12th June 2012

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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