Although fairly well recognised around NZ and Australia in most parks and lakes, the black swan is not common in other places around the world and is regarded with some awe and mystery. Here it is almost regarded as a pest. But, the timeless tale of the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan still holds fascination for me. The black swan is undoubtedly a stunning and graceful creature, gliding effortlessly across the water with its elegant long neck craning and glossy black feathers ruffled as it searches for what…some food, a mate, her own “ugly duckling” babies? .
