Trumpeter Swans

What's the difference between a swan and a goose?


I proud to say I'm a farm girl, but I'm embarrassed to say I'm not sure I know.  
Can geese swim?  Maybe that's the difference....
Or, maybe it's their attitudes and behaviors.   
The goose is a symbol for silliness. (Don't be a silly goose.)
The swan is a symbol for elegance. (The ballerina was a graceful as a swan.)
My experience with these silly / lovely birds is limited to children's literature. 
Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White and Goose Girl by Sharon Hale are both wonderful!


This pair of trumpeter swans nests in a little Northwest Arkansas pond .  The real ones have wide green "necklaces" or bands that allow them to be tracked.  On the way back from a hike near the Buffalo River, we pulled over to take a few pictures.  They seemed to enjoy performing for me.  They'd paddle over, look at me, then wiggle their feet to make the water muddy.  Then they'd dip their heads in.  That made their heads and necks all brown and muddy! 
Luckily, I have my handy artistic license that's ready for use in these situations.  I was able to remove their numbered green bands and wash them up a bit for their debut on the canvas.  I think they'd have wanted that.


Enjoy an Etsy treasury (collection of related art pieces or vintage items) that celebrates these lovely birds by clicking Serenade with Swans or Elegant Swans for the Holidays.  Another treasury celebrates water in with a tranquil, yet funky collection.  Click Spirit of Water to have a look.


To purchase this painting, click "Trumpeter Swans."