This pair of mute swans appear to be the best of friends. However, they also both appear to be males (cobs) and prior to this piece of seemingly amicable side-by-side swimming they were noisily chasing and squaring up to each other. When swans place their wings in this arched, raised position and vigorously propel themselves through the water (called "busking") it is a sign of belligerence. I photographed the pair after setting the camera exposure at -0.7 EV. It was necessary to avoid overxposing the white feathers. It also produced the happy result of darkening the water and making the birds more prominent in the image.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon P900
