Bird of the Week

I may not be able to maintain this theme as the A-Z Challenge starts tomorrow and will occupy most of my time next month.

This is my bird this week, although the photos are much older - 

Two swans - 'apreening' in Cornwall

Mute swan - Stokkavatnet, Stavanger, Norway

And from Scotland a photo taken by the husband of one of my wife's friends.

Swan convoy - cygnets escorted by their parents.

Muted Thematic Photography

When I saw this week's theme was muted I was stuck for ideas untl I remembered these pictures from Norway.

Mute Swans on Stokkavatnet, Stavanger

Mute swans have orange bills with a black base and knob (less prominent in the female). They are not as slient as their name suggests as they will snort and hiss when annoyed, some even produce a weak trumpeting. But the swan song, the music said to be produced by a dying swan, is a myth with no foundation in fact.

Mute Swan on the River Tees at Preston Park

I was quite pleased to find these photos in my files. So it's time for me to blow my own trumpet - muted of course just like this.

Eddie Byard plays muted trumpet

Trombonist Tom Ebert, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 1990.

(by I,Infrogmation - CC-A 2.5 generic license)

OK, I cheated as I'm no musician. For other muted contributions check out Carmi's thematic photographic 172