Trumpeter Swans at the Mississippi by tizjezzme
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I froze my fannie off at the River yesterday, as the wind blew from the North -- below Zero temps. The river water was warmer than the air, as its the Nuke Plant upstream that keeps the waters open like this all Winter. So, the steam blew with the wind, making for some interesting shots. I had to take several breaks in the vehicle out of the cold to start feeling my hands, face and legs again before I'd head out there for more.
I had the privilege of talking with Ms. Swan Lady herself; as it was feeding time. With the words I used, I may as well have said I loved her; for all that she is doing. I asked her if she gets any help feeding all those birds; she said sometimes her husband helps her. I had mentioned the cost of $120 a DAY ............ in corn, feeding them. She said its up to $138 a day now. The donations she gets from people who go there add up to approximately $2,000 a YEAR. She pays the rest. She said it started out, she was only feeding 15 swans. I said "Oh, so you didn't ever expect THIS?" She said "Nooooo" .. lol
I saw a Pest Control Vehicle sitting there in her driveway, next to the huge corn bin .. maybe I aughtta get into Pest Control .. heck with IT and computers ... I had no idea Killing bugs and rodents paid so well. (course if I had that job, I'd shoot them all with my Nikon and then tell them to run before I 'get em'.) lol
Enough blah blahing .. have a super day.
Shari :)

Comments (40)
Beautiful capture!
flawless image! great story
Another fantastic inflight capture Shari! I can't believe just how expensive the feed is for these birds!! Excellent work!
A beautiful view, love it ;O) Great story also!
Very interesting intro Shari, and do wrap up warm it isn't good to get so cold my friend - I can't stand the cold, or should I say my body doesn't like it. I can't help but wonder if it is totally necessary to buy all the feed for the swans, is it very difficult for them to find natural food? Anyway I am sure the swan lady is doing a wonderful worhwhile job for her beloved swans. Now to the photo, well as always it is excellent with superb presentation dear Shari - hugs Jane xx
Beautiful work...love the mood and light you captutred in it.
Excellent capture, looks like the mist is coming in, great work well done.
A shot like this makes it worth all the frozen fannies in the world - AWSOME! ;']
wow, awesome work, so poetic
this gave me an air of peace what a lovely picture well done 5+++
This is so beautiful, you have such a nice series with these swans :) I love your atmosphere with all the mist yet not covering the 2 flying swans, really beautiful :)
Good capture picture erland
This is so beautiful ! Excellent photo ! Ana
I still can't get it into my head when you say 'fannie' you actually mean your butt, backside, bottom, bum, (crude=arse) over in the UK it has a totally different meaning.lol. Excellent in flight capture yet again, you are getting better at this type of shot. I love the postwork and presentation, instant favourite. Stunning capture. Bravo!!!!!
What a fabulous shot this is. I love swans and this is perfect.
certain resemblance to San Francisco airport - the approach to 28R I think...
I love the misty fade on the majority of the birds leaving these two to share the spotlight. Stunning as usual, my friend.
Oh goodie you made it to the river...and what a great shot this is. The nuke plant mist really makes it. Can't wait to see the rest of your wonderful swan pics Shari. I remember the heat-pump pond at Southdale Shopping Center in Edina, MN kept the ducks all winter too. I love your stuff, keep 'em coming. Paul
A beautiful pic!!
I LOVE this shot, Shari (but, to be honest not so much the frame...) Anyway, I take it to my favs ! ...ooooh, BTW, I also love reading your "blah blahing"... Hugs !
very nice work
I can't help it sometimes your photographs brings tears to my eyes and this is one of them. It is just so magical and moving. Thanks Shari for braving the cold to share this beautiful moment in time with us.
This is really a beautiful piece of "swan-art" the duo tone like is so beautiful and works very well, EXCELLENT BTW nice story Have a very nice evening Henk
a mastershot - wow - the colours here excellent - also your creative Artframe
Simple beautiful!
Beautiful Image!!!
A stunning image!
Nice work.
WOW Stunning, Free and Beautiful, the perfect combination!
Wow! I don't think I've ever seen so many swans in one place. We just get Candian Geese and ducks around here. :) Really, magical scene.