Bijan is living up to his name! (Bijan means “hero” in Persian)
Here was his first snow, and he took everything in his stride, enjoying exploration of the lagoon with Mom and Dad. His fine coat of thick feathers kept him warm, and his tummy was well filled, thanks to Wildlife Technician Ziggy.

November 28th, the thermometer began the slide down to minus 10o C. promised by the weatherman, and the lagoon began to freeze over. Instinct brought all the swans closer to the “beach” area (except Mama and Papa, who preside at the other end of the lagoon); however, our adventurer Bijan thought what fun it would be to check out the far side of the water. As the light lessened, our tired young swan tucked his bill under a wing and settled in for a good sleep (swans sleep on the water).

What was his shock, on opening his eyes the next morning, ready to start a whole new day of fun and food ….. to find himself marooned on the lagoon’s north side where the ice had formed around him, leaving only a little circle in liquid form.

There he sat, proud little head up, waiting for things to brighten up. He passed the time preening, stretching one wing and leg on each side, reaching out to peck a curious seagull, and occasionally dozing. Of course, he momentarily rose up with much flapping when Ziggy fed the other swans in the “mini pond” on the beach side. If a Mute Swan could “trumpet,” you’d have heard him holler, “Hey! Me too!” He went back to waiting until, at last! – the thin ice began to give way and he valiantly made his way back to join family and mates for a good lunch, where they all continue to keep company until the rest of the lagoon thaws.