Baby swans hatched all around the lake this weekend.
Easter miracles, indeed.
I spent most of Saturday and Sunday observing the Mama Swan that had nested on my side of the lake. She was so mellow and patient with the many who came to witness her babies being born.
This littlest one was born Easter morning...
I wanted to share a few of the hundreds of images that I took ...
And I also wanted to share this with you ...
A family who was on their way to church stopped their van and put down the window so that the wife could ask me if there were baby swans in the nest. I told them yes there were! They parked the van and walked up to see the mama and her babies.
The wife and children were instantly smitten. They were in awe at the miracle they were witnessing. The husband, however, was instantly annoyed and kept looking at his watch. He said, "Are you ready? We are going to be late." The wife and children asked if they could stay just a few more minutes. He got really irritated and said, "No. Come on. We are going to be late. Let's go. You've already seen it."
He walked off to the van. His wife quietly said, "Let's go kids. Daddy is waiting."
They reluctantly walked away and the husband quickly drove off to get to church on time.
He was right in that his family HAD SEEN IT.
Sigh. I hope maybe one day he will too.
Thank you precious Mama Swan for allowing us to witness the miracle of you and your babies. A miracle and gift from above given to us on Easter. God bless you and your family. Always.
Love,
Kim
*edited to share this link for fascinating facts about swans
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Randon Number Generator picked Amy to win my Giveway!
Hi Kim!! I would really love to have a copy of Fifi's book. I am a book fanatic! Maybe you should consider writing one!! Your photos are beautiful! I just want you to know that we woke up to about 10 inches of snow again today....reading your blog always makes me happy! However, I'll take the snow before the terrible tornadoes some states have had to endure. Have a great day, Kim!!! And thanks for all you do!!
Posted by: Amy B | April 20, 2011 at 03:18 PM
Thank you so much Amy! Please email me your mailing addy and I will send these right out to you.
xo
What charming tiny signets and a beautiful Mama!! Hope I'm remembering the correct name for baby swans. Each one is a little Easter miracle and I, too, wish them well in life.
I hope that hurried father learns quickly that miracles and patience are more significant than punctuality. Sadly, as has been written, there are none so blind as those that will not see.
Thanks for these wonderful photos, Kim!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | April 25, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Good morning Kim. I just love these pictures of new little life. We recently got 500 baby chicks from the hatchery and I just love watching them scurry around in our barn...they are full of life and busy! Hahaha...but that is what spring
is all about...little babies. Really enjoy your blog!
Blessings,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | April 25, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Thanks so much for sharing. How beautiful. Those babies are adorable. I love how she is sitting on them keeping them warm. They swin so soon.
Once my daughter and I saw a swan on a pond while we were driving by. We wondered how it got there. My daughter said it flew there. I have never seen on in fight, so, I said they came from a store. She didn't buy that and said what kind of store .....a swan shop, lol.
Anyway, just beautiful.
Posted by: Debby Messner | April 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM
These pictures brought tears to my eyes as "I get it".I was one of the lucky ones that sat for hours sharing the majestic momma swan's pride..it was a fantstic Easter weekend.Brought me to a place in my life I have never been before. Thanks for the memories Kim. Love ya !
Posted by: Cindy @ Happinest | April 25, 2011 at 10:42 AM
congrats Amy for winniing the lovely book. enjoy!
Posted by: sarita | April 25, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Oh how beautiful.
Posted by: Reenie | April 25, 2011 at 11:04 AM
The baby swans are just adorable, Kim! Love your photos of those little balls of fluff. Congrats to Amy for winning the book!
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expression | April 25, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Gorgeous photos! Such a lovely experience to see these beautiful little creatures. I love swans. There is something magical about their grace. Actually, they remind me of my mother. I should probably make a point of telling her today that I think she is a elegant as a swan.
Posted by: The Redhead Riter | April 25, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I was thinking how miraculous those swans are and nature in general even before reading the text. You're right. The dad needs to "get it." (before it's too late) Thanks for sharing the beauty and wisdom.
Posted by: Jo Anne | April 25, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Congratulations to Amy! Love the swans. This IS a miracle. My little Kiwi laid her first egg a long time ago on Easter! xo,
Posted by: Barbara F. | April 25, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Hi Kim,
What a wonderful Easter story and you were were right there in the middle of it! Your photos are precious!
Too bad that family wasn't able to share an Easter together that would have been a cherished memory for all of them. That was the church service right there on the edge of the lake. What a blind man.
Have a happy day and thank you for sharing this.
Sue ;)
Posted by: susan | April 25, 2011 at 11:24 AM
The swans got the awwww factor in my home. They are so beautiful and a lovely story.
Conrats Amy on the book win
Posted by: Pam Capone | April 25, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Oh my, Kim. This has taken my breath away. Thank you so much for sharing this miracle with us.
Posted by: | April 25, 2011 at 11:49 AM
How beautiful! And you hit the nail on the head Kim. He really missed the point didn't he? Several years ago a mama rabbit gave birth to some little bunnies in our back yard. Since I knew our little neighbor children had a fear of animals (for lack of exposure), I invited them to come over and see the little bunnies. Their mother was impatient and insisted the children look briefly (about a minute) from over a hundred feet away. She ignored the beauty of the miracle of birth and reinforced her childrens fears in just one minute of time. So sad.
Posted by: sandy | April 25, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Thank you Kim for capturing the beauty of the mom and baby swans! They are majestic!
Hopefully, one day that man will slow down and appreciate the miracles that surround us on the beautiful canvas of life. While being in such a hurry to get to church, he missed a moment with nature in all her glory!
Congrats Amy on winning Fifi's fabulous book!
Love and hugs,
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | April 25, 2011 at 12:06 PM
What a gift indeed! I just melted while looking at these pictures and how lucky you are to be a part of this Easter miracle and thank you for sharing these with us.
I agree with you re: the father that was in such a hurry. I hope he isn't in a hurry with his little ones and that he realizes this before it's too late.
Posted by: Missy | April 25, 2011 at 12:17 PM
So beautiful!
"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life" S.D. Gordon
Congratulations to Amy!
Posted by: Deb | April 25, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Hi Kim,
Your swan photos are AMAZING!!!! I cannot wait to show these to my husband this evening when he arrives home. I hate it when men act the way the man you described in your blog acted cutting the miracle they were watching short so that they could stay on his timetable. The other thing that aggravates me sometimes is men who control the house thermostat. I have witnessed some men who will keep their house AC so cold in the summer that the wife is wearing jackets. Life is about compromising and wouldn't it have been nice if the family witnessing the swan hatching could have been a little late to church and slipped in the back so that the children could have witnessed God's miracle for the first part of the service...something they would have remembered their entire lives. Let's all pray that this man will be touched by God and have a change of heart and learn to stop and smell the roses along the path of life. Congratulations to Amy on winning Fifi's book!!!!! I love your photos of the swan birth, Kim. Isn't it amazing how they just start swimming right away? I would love to be living close enough to watch these little ones grow. Have a fabulous day! Love to you, Kim
Posted by: Bluebirdsandbutterflies | April 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Thank you for sharing this beautiful miracle with us!
Posted by: Eve | April 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM
such beautiful photos, amazing.Thankyou for sharing this,,
Posted by: laurie | April 25, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Let's hope the father had a real important job at church like being the minister or organist etc. Probably not or the mother would have been encouraging the children along too. Some church people need to spend more time outside...this includes me. Thanks for the fantastic pictures of a beautiful sight.
Posted by: Susie Sears Taylor | April 25, 2011 at 12:44 PM
beautiful swan photos ~ thank you so much for sharing!
says that god is still in control and i guess the husband doesnt get it.
Posted by: linda moczan | April 25, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Ah, yes, an extra Easter gift, I wrote about my own too. Sadly some will miss Him in the details while rushing on their way to a building, tradition, or other distraction. And He so often reveals Himself in the simplest of details, especially His creation.
Thank you for sharing, Kim. Come and take a peek at the little bird He blessed me with yesterday. I'm glad you had a glorious Easter.
Posted by: One Heart | April 25, 2011 at 12:52 PM
I've never, ever, seen a real-live cygnet, and there they are, in all their profusion!!
And I love that they already have that elegant, regal fold to their necks, as befitting the royalty of the lake. They'ye just out of the egg, and already know their worth and who they are.
Thank you SO much for sharing!
rachel
Posted by: racheld | April 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
A thousand thank you's Kim for sharing this miracle of life with us. I love, love, love animals ! and these pictures are the evidence of LOVE in its most sincere way. Nature always brings us the most beautiful images ever. Thank you once again and hope you had a happy Easter ;O)
Kises from Spain,
Marta
Posted by: Marta | April 25, 2011 at 01:14 PM
We think swans are great around here. Your photos are, too!
Posted by: Vee | April 25, 2011 at 01:16 PM
What a beautiful sight. I just showed my Tessa and Andrew and they just loved them, lots of oh's and aw's.
Posted by: samantha | April 25, 2011 at 01:39 PM
Oh how lovely! It is very sad that some people can only see wonder in a church instead of it being all around them and at any time of the day and not just by appointment.
Posted by: Hannah | April 25, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Oh, Kim, how sweet this post is! I'll be it was very hard to decide which photos to choose for this post. You take THE best pictures! Thank you for sharing this with us... Donna
Posted by: An Enchanted Cottage | April 25, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing!
Greatings from Norway
Posted by: Maboe | April 25, 2011 at 02:11 PM
I can see that you had a wonderful Easter, Kim. What could be more special than the miracle of new life and new families! It saddens me that folks sometimes are so focused on the act of attending church, that they miss the point of our faith. The miracle of those new little creatures, and the miracle that their Momma instinctively cares for them in just the right way is something only God can do. Appreciating His creation is just another facet of worship, and we are always made better for it. Thank you so much for reminding us! Hugs, Terri
Posted by: Terri Morse | April 25, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Oh, Kim, you really outdid yourself this time. Think that almost everytime see your pics, Thanks so much for sharing these little wonders and born on Easter Sunday. Before reading the article, thought to myself their feathers look like little downey feathers. My great-grandmother & grandfather always slept on a feather-filled pillow. This reminds me, somewhat, of the geese we watched at the lake a couple of weeks ago, when we took our new boat out to just ride around for a while. There were dads, moms & babies near the shore swimming around. Throught they were pretty, but the swam's are beautiful! Happy Easter ad thanks so much for sharing! Love ya, Cindy OK
Posted by: Cindy | April 25, 2011 at 02:22 PM
Beautiful! We have geese with their little ones on the lake! Thanks for sharing!
Have a Blessed Day!!
Jan@Southern Junkin'
Posted by: Jan @ Adventures of Southern Junkin' and Antiques | April 25, 2011 at 02:30 PM
Hi Kim,
Congratulations to Amy for winning the book.
Thank you for sharing your incredible photographs of the Mama Swan and her babies - they are beautiful and I really loved looking at them. How special that they were born on Easter.
Bentley sends a tail wag to Maggie.
Blessings,
Erin
P.S. I agree with your reader who suggested that you write a book - on color - we need more color in our lives and it could be called "Coloring Your Cottage".
Posted by: Erin | April 25, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Thanks for sharing your pics, Kim. I always wonder how the mother does not "crush" her babies. Always something wonderful at Daisy Cottage.
Posted by: Ann | April 25, 2011 at 02:42 PM
congrats! amy - thanks again kim. the swans are so beautiful - mommie sure loves them they look so cozy under her feathers - the winds are blowing and on the cold side
in our part of town - i sure would like to be tucked
under mommies feathers right about now - have a Blessed Day! kim, your spirit is so beautiful - your the bestest!
love ya, maria - cottage feel -
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Posted by: maria | April 25, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Precious!!!
&
To really SEE, now that's a MIRACLE too, yes?!
Posted by: Mrs.B | April 25, 2011 at 03:03 PM
Ahhh
Posted by: Vicki | April 25, 2011 at 03:09 PM
What a wonderful Easter Gift. I hope that man does get it some day. Birth is a miracle every time. The man above was smiling down on Mr. and Mrs. Swan. ;-)
Posted by: Marianne | April 25, 2011 at 03:33 PM
You could win an award with these pics--they are so beautiful! You have captured the new life in such a winsome way! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: dotsie (aka podso) | April 25, 2011 at 03:41 PM
How sweet! Your pictures are fabulous Kim! Hugs to you.
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio | April 25, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Gorgeous post, Kim! Was the swan daddy close by? I think I read somewhere that swans mate for life. These pictures are so cool! I wish Jesus would have told that impatient human daddy to *chill*.....I would bet that the Holy Spirit tried!!!
Thanks again for such a sweet and thought-provoking post.
(((hugs))),
Ricki Jill
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | April 25, 2011 at 03:50 PM
awwww great pictures of the babies! you were so lucky to be able to photograph them and especially on Easter weekend! A miracle indeed. I hope God keeps them safe from harm.
Such a shame about that mean daddy! Maybe he learned something in Church, at least we can hope. I doubt I could stay with a man like that.
Congrats to Amy!
Posted by: Sandra | April 25, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Oh Kim how precious!!!!
I have tears in my eyes, so so beautiful. I need to move down there, it hasn't stopped raining in so long I don't even remember the sun!
Congrats, too, Amy on your super awesome win!!
Posted by: Michele | April 25, 2011 at 04:36 PM
I watch eagerly every day the barn owls, the decorah eagles, and Phoebe the hummingbird on ustream. This is awesome, right in your own backyard (so to speak). I absolutely love the pictures, thank you so much for sharing. I just put up a bluebird in my backyard. The ducks are out and about here too, have to watch for them in the roadways. I am a bird lover from way back. Blessings, Janet
Posted by: Jan | April 25, 2011 at 04:46 PM
What a beautiful thing...God is good to us! Thanks for your eyes that see and that good camera..wow! :D
Posted by: Julie Harward | April 25, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Kim, your post made my day. So beautiful! And yes, I agree... God's beauty is all around us, if we will only stop and observe it. As a child, I always got a baby duck for Easter. They are such precious pets!!! I have so many wonderful memories of my sweet baby ducks. Would love to live near a lake so I could have some more sometime. Thanks so much for sharing your great pictures! Love & blessings from NC!
Posted by: Melinda | April 25, 2011 at 05:51 PM
Thank you, thank you Kim for sharing such precious pictures!!!
I even love the color of the eggs!
Posted by: Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse | April 25, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Thanks for sharing this Easter miracle; the baby swans are beautiful! Peace, Donna
Posted by: [email protected] | April 25, 2011 at 07:09 PM
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos you took of the Mama and baby swans. So precious. You live in such a beautiful place and so glad as you can share so much with those of us that follow you, day to day.
By the way I have been following the Norfolk Botannical Garden Eagles as their babies have hatched and are growing. Such beauty in nature that we are so lucky to see via the Internet.
http://www.wvec.com/marketplace/microsite-content/eagle-cam.html
Enjoy the rest of your day!!
Posted by: Darlene | April 25, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Oh my gosh! How precious are these photos! I think some of they would look lovely framed!
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | April 25, 2011 at 07:33 PM
"WONDER"-full, precious photos.
I hope you will share more with us as these little ones grow and thrive.
Posted by: Janet | April 25, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Sometimes the Lord is right in front of us and we do not see. How wonderful that you live near a lake to witness such wonders, and even have photographs to remember! Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Posted by: LANA BROOKS | April 25, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Perfect beauty! How can you not believe in our creator?
Posted by: carol | April 25, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Hi Kim. Thank you for the sweet and beautiful pictures!!!
Posted by: Kim | April 25, 2011 at 09:23 PM
I have never commented on your blog (or anyone's blog) until now. These pictures are spectacular!!! Not enough adjectives to describe how incredibly beautiful!! Thank you!
Posted by: Vivian | April 25, 2011 at 09:30 PM
So very beautiful. I've only even watched our chicks hatch and that was amazing. I remember jumping up and down and thinking it was amazing to watch. I'm so surprised that the mama was calm. You're pics are wonderful!!!!! :)
Posted by: Lisa Adams | April 25, 2011 at 09:57 PM
So glad to see that third baby swan showing up! Oh man - I am in awe, of our awesome God who created such beauty - and your ability to do such wonderful photography!!! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs from Michigan - Diane
Posted by: Diane (Vruwink) Carlson | April 25, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Sleeping baby swans...oh my!
Thanks for being one of those who can recognize the miracle when they see it.
Posted by: pogonip@ Meadowsweet Cottage | April 25, 2011 at 11:39 PM
thank you for sharing the miracle of life with all of us. God is good! how beautiful!
Pink Hugs,
Dee
Posted by: Dee Brownfield | April 26, 2011 at 02:21 AM
Hi Kim, What a wonderful Easter Blessing, I was explaining the meaning of the Easter Egg to some Children on Easter Sunday. It just goes to show that if you don't have the eyes to see the beautiful little messages from God it's lost I pray that that Dad recalls that time and realises what he missed. You have a great heart and eye for that Kim thank you!!!! Your photos are as usual just Beautiful like you. I'm very glad that you had a Blessed Easter. Trish xox ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | April 26, 2011 at 02:54 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post with us!!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Posted by: Susan Freeman | April 26, 2011 at 06:37 AM
Hi Kim! Your photographs are simply stunning! These are so sweet to watch. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Homeowner Insurance | April 26, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Sheila | April 26, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Love the swans! How did you capture so many great moments on camera? Wow.
Posted by: Cindy Roberts | April 26, 2011 at 06:22 PM
I wouldnt be so hard on the dad. He wasnt rushing off to breakfast....he was rushing off to celebrate the risen Lord. You know how crowded Easter services are....he may have wanted to avoid having whiny kids that had to stand at church because they were late. You can always go back to the swans later. Celebrating the REAL meaning of Easter should not take a back seat.
Posted by: Bernie | April 27, 2011 at 07:59 AM
((((Bernie))))
xo,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 27, 2011 at 08:07 AM
I feel bad for that daddy....One thing I truly believe is that if there's a church lesson to be learned and it's not in church that you learn it....well, I think God's okay with that. Your pictures are beautiful, the story about the little guy that didn't make it touched my heart. And thanks to everyone for the congrats on winning the book. It has made me so very happy!!! Blessings to all of you!!
Amy B.
Posted by: Amy B. | April 27, 2011 at 04:30 PM