In the early morning sunshine, two black swans sleep. Both swans sleep with one leg raised, one leg holding the bird up, and head tucked under a wing. This swan has a watchful eye open:

The other swan’s eyes are closed. Its foot is tucked close to its body:

When I pass the same spot a few days later, a swan drifts peacefully on the water:

Black Swans are native to Australia, and are common around Sydney.

Common name: Black Swan
Scientific name: Cygnus atratus
Approximate length: 120 cm
Date spotted: 8th and 17th April 2024 (autumn)
Location: Manly Dam Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’35.4″S 151°14’49.8″E