I saw the swan and thought about getting some video footage for phoenix. You don't see many phoenixes about these days but I figured with a bit of lighter fluid and a match a swan would be perfect.
I thought I'd look up some swan facts before quoting them on here. Oh yes! I don't just throw this blog together you know.
My favourite was this snippet:
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" How to recognize a male from a female: Male and female look alike, but if you look carefully, you can tell one from the other:
1- Males are larger than females;
2- The knob at the base of the male's upper bill is larger than the female's knob. By the way, it’s this knob that distinguishes the mute swan from all others;
3- The neck of a male is thicker than the neck of a female."
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So, basically look out for the knob and the adam's apple. I believe the blokes also have bigger hands but they keep them under water.
Some swan facts that I can't verify (at least not at half one in the morning):
1. A swan can break your arm (presumably with its wing or it's big hands)
2. Members of the Royal family used to use a swan's neck to wipe their behind - according to someone on QI. (I believe poor folk used golden retriever puppies)
I'm not sure if the swan in number 2 was still alive as its neck cleansed the Queen's bum. If it was I expect that's how they found out about number 1.
J
