My mother mentioned that she’s already tired of Winter and ready for Spring. I have to agree with her. So for any of you out there feeling the same way, I thought I would put a couple of Springtime photos up to brighten your gloomy winter day.

These two Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) are permanent residents at a pond near Rock Valley College, Loves Park, Illinois. I pass by them frequently in my daily travels and always find them interesting to watch. They share their small pond with many Canadian Geese…sometimes numbering close to a thousand during the winter months.

These two are quite calm and don’t seem to be overly concerned with visitors. Probably because they live on a college campus. Using my 70-300mm lens, I am able to go full-frame on them while still maintaining enough distance to keep them relaxed. I believe very strongly in not putting any animal in distress for the sake of a photo. It doesn’t make for a good picture, and it could have negative consequences for the animal or its offspring.