By Fotis Samaritakis

Cygnus Olor (Mute Swan)

Just a few kilometres from the city of Chania lies the artificial lake of Agyia. Since 2018, a pair of mute swans has successfully bred in the area each year. Their notable achievement includes raising up to 7 cygnets in a single year, a testament to their dedicated care.

Around the end of October each year, the swans depart for other locations and return in February.

The photo captures two of the cygnets born in 2022, now in their ‘puberty’ stage. Once they reach maturity, the adult swan couple expels them from the lake, as the lake can only accommodate one breeding pair.

In one of the remote canals of the lake, these two swans have sought refuge, presenting me with this captivating scene. Light filters through the dense foliage, delicately illuminating these magnificent creatures.