A black swan (Cygnus atratus) and cygnet

Public Domain Photo: Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) and cygnet, photo by D.M. Vernon, taken in 2006

Black Swans are large water birds of the subgenus of Cygnus, mostly found in Australia, and later introduced in New Zealand, and some other countries. They are primarily black-feathered birds, with white flight feathers. The bill is normally bright red and legs and feet are grayish-black. Males are slightly larger than females, and cygnets (immature birds) are grayish-brown with pale-edged feathers. A fully grown black swan measures 110 cm to 142 cm (43-56 in) in length and weighs 4 to 9 kg (8 to -20 lbs) approximately with wing span of 1.6 to 2 meters.

Sydney Harbour: aerial view

Photo: Sydney Harbour, view from the air, showing the Opera House, Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Parramatta River, North Sydney and Kirribilli in the foreground, photo taken by Rodney Haywood during a helicopter joy flight.

License for reuse: THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC DOMAIN PHOTO, but the copyright holder, Rodney Haywood, allows anyone to use it for any purpose, provided that the copyright holder is properly attributed. Redistribution, derivative work, commercial use, and all other uses are permitted.

Attribution: Sydney Harbour Aerial View, photo by Rodney Haywood

The Grasshopper by Jules Joseph Lefebvre

Image: The Grasshopper (La Cigale), 1872 oil on canvas painting by French figure painter Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911), measurements 186.7 cm x 123.8 cm, currently located at National Gallery of Victoria, Victoria, Australia. The original note found with this image says, this painting is inspired by the fable of Aesop from The Grasshopper and the Ant or The Cicada and the Ant by Jean de La Fontaine.

Annette in her one-piece bathing suit

Annette Kellerman in early 1900s

Annette Kellerman, Diving Venus