A Young Swan Trapped Near the Dock
A thick, dark rope pulled tightly around the young swan’s neck, pinning the small grey bird against the edge of the wooden dock.
The cygnet paddled its webbed feet in place, unable to swim forward into the open channel. Every shift in the current pulled the heavy cord tauter against its soft feathers.
A few yards out, two large adult swans floated in the gray water, their heads turned toward the shore as high-pitched chirps rang out across the marsh.
Careful Steps Along the Wooden Pier
A rescuer clad in green waterproof waders and heavy gloves knelt down on the wooden planks of the pier.
The rescuer extended a gloved hand down toward the water, leaning low over the timber edge to assess the tangled cord.
The cygnet fluttered its small wings, splashing dark ripples against the dock posts as the human hand closed in.
Speaking softly to soothe the bird, the rescuer reached past the splashing water and gripped the thick loop resting against the neck.
Untangling the Heavy Cord
With precise, steady movements, the rescuer worked a finger under the coiled fibers, lifting the weight away from the cygnet’s delicate throat.
The young swan tensed, tilting its black bill upward as the thick rope slipped past its narrow head.
The tight loop slid free over the bird’s bill, dropping limply onto the wet surface of the dock.
Relieved of the restraint, the young cygnet paused in the dark water for a split second, shaking its damp feathers.
Returning to the Open Water
The rescuer pulled the heavy rope completely onto the pier, clearing the path forward.
The cygnet turned away from the dock, kicking its feet rapidly to glide across the water.
Chirping loudly, the grey bird propelled itself directly toward the two waiting adult swans.
The pair of adult swans lowered their slender necks into the water and paddled forward to receive the young bird as they all swam deeper into the marsh together.
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