CLEVER SWANS.
Sir,-In confirmation of black swans making nests large enough to float in safety during. floods, as described by Mr. A. P. Harper from 3YA recently, I have seen the same kind of swan nests on a lake in Northland. The lake lies in swampy country. The swans build huge nests at the very edge, a slight rise inthe lake level sets them afloat, and they sail away, driven hither and thither by the wind. It is amusing to watch the swans stretch up their long necks, their heads always up-wind, take a look around and withdraw again; also later, to see the cygnets "sitting out" on the framework of their homes. I think swans, like ducks, have a real sense of fun. May .I mention another interesting example of the cleverness of swans? Two inflated motor car tyre-tubes were placed, for the benefit of bathers on a lake near my home. Next nforning the owner was astonished to see a couple of white swans "seated" inside the tubes and paddling themselves around with evident enjoyment. He discovered that the swans dived umderneath in order to come up inside the tubes, and to get out, they paddled the tubes to the steps, then clambered out. They did
this gegularly for a season.
ROB
(Ahipara).
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19420327.2.10.1
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
New Zealand Listener, Volume 6, Issue 144, 27 March 1942, Page 4
Word count
Tapeke kupu
215CLEVER SWANS. New Zealand Listener, Volume 6, Issue 144, 27 March 1942, Page 4
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Material in this publication is protected by copyright.
Are Media Limited has granted permission to the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa to develop and maintain this content online. You can search, browse, print and download for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Are Media Limited for any other use.
Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
Log in