Forgot to switch back to a fast shutter speed for most of these shots = overexposed white plumage + blurry. (#2 Rule of Photography: check your camera settings. #1 Rule of Photography: remember the batteries and memory cards.) Nevertheless, very cool to see (and hear = distinctive whooping/hooting) Tundra Swan last week back at Presque Isle State Park the first time this fall:
Two Tundra Swans landing by four already in the water (hard too see, but on the right-hand corner of this shot):
Foolish perhaps to ascribe human emotions to birds, but everyone seemed very happy with this reunion! See also recent, very interesting research showing geese (and by extension, presumably, Tundra Swans) recognize each other socially.
“Birds of a feather DO flock together!”
Consider the Sandhill Cranes how they ‘socialize’ whist at the winter grounds south of Tucson. They are always ‘chatting’ together!
This is true with all birds who are kin.