Mute Swan

The Mute Swan

The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is Denmark’s national bird. Chosen by thousands of Danes in 1984 in a national election initiated by Danish Television. This beautiful and majestic bird is the largest bird in Denmark and very common throughout the country.
All Mute Swans are white at maturity, though the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water.
In the 1920's the Mute Swan was nearly extinct, until in 1926 it became a protected species and has now regained its population and is seen all over Denmark and most of northern Europe.
They breed in colonies all over Denmark and are a magnificent bird to see.
As one of the heaviest flying birds, the Mute Swan can grow to about 65-inches long, have a wingspan of nearly 95 inches and stand nearly 4 feet high, which is quite impressive and scary if confronted by an angry Mute Swan.
The male Mute Swan (known as the cob) is generally larger than the female Mute Swan (known as a pen) and is also distinguished by a larger knob on its beak. The cob weighs on average 25 pounds, while the pen is usually under 20 pounds.
At an early age the Mute Swan or cygnet is not always white and is usually an off-white, grey or brownish tint. Their beaks/bills are black and it is not until after their first year that they turn all white and the beak/bill gets its orange color.
Copenhagen the capital city is one of Denmark’s most popular destinations for tourists. It features the Trivoli Gardens, a combination theme park, amusement park and scenic garden that provides fun and entertainment for the whole family. The Round Tower observation deck is also popular for its panoramic views and spectacular scenery. Glyptotek is an interesting statue of The Little Mermaid erected in 1913, commemorating the Hans Christian Anderson story of the same name. Frederiks Church is also popular with visitors this large marble Baroque church stood unfinished from 1770 until 1874 and was finally completed in 1894.

Visiting Beautiful, Cultural Odense will want to include the Egeskov Castle on their travel itinerary as well as the Odense City Museum, Carl Nielson Museet Museum, The Railway Museum, and Hans Christian Anderson’s Childhood Home. Also popular are the Frydenlund, a beautiful nature center and wildlife park, the inspiring St. Canutis Cathedral, and The Odense Zoo which will provide fun filled hours for everyone in your travelling company. If you still have energy, the Brandts Klaedlfabrik Art Museum, Friluftsbaget Water Park, the Museum of Photographic Art and the ever popular Aquatic World can leave you exhausted and smiling at the end of the day.

While Denmark has many wonderful sights and experiences it is necessary to narrow down a few choices and choose your stops before setting out on your exploration of all that Denmark has to offer. The stops listed here are by no means an all inclusive list of all the attractions available, but is intended as a guide to peak your interest and invite personalized exploration of the attractions in Denmark and help you plan an itinerary that suits your individual tastes and interests.

Denmark has much to offer the bird watcher as well as the extreme thrill seeker and all of us in between.

Places of Interest : The Little Mermaid Statue,  Hans Christen Andersen's Home, The castles, Nyhaven, Tivoli, Funen (Fyn)/Central Isles, Alborg, Århus, Billund and Bornholm.

Find out more on: http://www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/menu/turist/turistforside.htm