Mute Swans are not native to New York, but they were popular on estates of the wealthy. Some escaped, while others were intentionally released. Today Mute Swans have made their home in parts of New York. Mute Swans out compete other birds including the native Trumpet Swans because of Mute Swan’s larger size, taller necks and aggressive / territorial nature. They also tend to uproot vegetation that they feed on causing further damage to the ecosystem.
Having said that it’s still awe inspiring to see these majestic birds in the wild. They’re not here for any fault of their own. I get excited like a child every time I spotted one at a distance.
This picture is from Blydenburgh County Park, Smithtown (near Hauppauge), NY, Mar 2024