A mute swan reflected on tranquil waters May 24, 2026

A mute swan reflected on tranquil waters

Swans are admired for their looks, but there is more going on than a calm, graceful glide over the water. These strong, territorial birds have a long history of human involvement. Introduced to Canada from Europe in the 1870s for parks and estates, mute swans established feral populations that now live year-round in parts of Ontario and beyond.

© Don White/Getty Images

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