Big. Really big. Really, really big.

While photographing eagles, these guys came over at low altitude and I sensed I was seeing something special. A hundred years ago trumpeter swans were hunted to near extinction, and have gradually made a successful comeback. The heaviest living bird native to North America, averaging 26 pounds, it is also one of the largest. To get airborne they need at least a hundred meters of open water for a runway. Two are adults; the other three with their grey necks are juveniles. Mom, dad and the kids? Swans mate for life, and their offspring remain in the family group while they grow.

Canon SL2 DSLR, Canon 300mm lens, f/8, 1/1000th second, ISO200

Sharpened slightly.