Swan Lake - Part 1

Swan Lake is located in Sumter, SC. 

It is the only public park in the U.S. with all 8 swan species.

These include the Trumpeter Swan, Black Australian Swan, Whistler Swan, Bewick Swan, Royal White Mute Swan, Black Necked Swan, Coscoroba Swan and Whooper Swan. 

This is not just a place for swans to call home, but also ducks, geese and as you can see, turtles. 

This was the fastest turtle I have ever seen. He ran to the feeder and ran back to the water. Perhaps they get accidentally stepped on by the big birds. Maybe bullied?

The lake is dotted with islands. It appears the swans enjoy all the nooks and crannies when seeing one disappearing into privacy below. 

The lake is also loaded with bald cypress trees.

 

 Cypress knees are throughout the coastline.

It was a time of new residents growing up.

An ideal place to take a time out from life and soak up some nature. There is a place for refreshments but guests can also bring their own picnic lunch.

Statues include sculptor Grainger McCoy's Recovery Wing. This piece is 18 feet of stainless steel.  

In the artist's words “(this is the) wing position that is considered the weakest in bird flight, yet in the artist’s eye is the position with the most beauty and grace. All of us are in recovery somewhere in our lives, as is our environment, of which Swan Lake is a unique part.”

 

If you go, open daily 7:30am to dusk, free of charge.
822 West Liberty Street (US 763)
Sumter, SC

The only warning I would give is that big birds do not smell pretty. Other than that, this place is perfect.

Next post will include the gardens at the lake.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val