An elegant creature for a majestic setting. These whooper swans, gliding on the mirror-like surface of Japan"s Lake Kussharo, are close relatives of North America"s trumpeter swans. Named for their loud call, whooper swans are one of the world"s heaviest flying birds, weighing up to around 30 pounds and boasting wingspans of between 7 and 9 feet. Whooper swans are found across Eurasia and are Finland"s national bird, spending their breeding season there before migrating to warmer areas for winter. All that travel doesn"t ruin their relationships—these waterfowl form strong, monogamous pairs that can last for life.
Whooper swans in Lake Kussharo, Japan
Today in History
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Ancient theater of Epidaurus, Greece
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Infant Sumatran orangutan, Indonesia
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International Beaver Day
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Wicker fields in Cañamares, Spain
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Nature Photography Day
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Midwinter freeze
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Art over Amalfi
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Craters of the Moon centennial
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It’s Canada’s national day
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National Bison Day
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Maritime forest on Cumberland Island, Georgia
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Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
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A march toward a dream
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First day of summer
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Saint Dwynwen s Day
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Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu prefecture, Japan
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International Day of the Tropics
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World Lizard Day