Nikon F3 · Nikkor 24mm F/2, Fuji RDP, ISO 200
The whooper swan is a large white swan with a black and yellow bill that lives in Iceland, northern Europe, and Asia. This particular flock was found on Lake Kushiro in Japan.
Though not the largest of swan species, the whooper swan is still quite sizable, ranging from 4.6 to 5.6 feet and weighing anywhere from 18 to 44 pounds. Wingspans vary but are usually between 6.75 and 9.2 feet.
Despite their massive size, whoopers are excellent fliers. They are often labeled as one of the world’s heaviest flying birds and undertake what is probably the largest sea crossing of any swan species, migrating an astounding 500 to 870 miles between the United Kingdom and Iceland!