On a September reunion, we chartered a boat and took a cruise  on the Soane River in the Burgundy region of France.  Swans on the rivers in France are as plentiful as Canada geese in Northeast Ohio.  One misty morning, I watched a flock of swans during take-off to become airborn.  These large beautiful birds run across the water picking up speed for their assent.  I was so fascinated by this fleeting image,  I decided it would become the focus of my next sculpture. 

After evaluating my "long-necked" moose antlers for potential 'swans', it became clear my subject needs to be a shorter necked species.  Researching indicates there are numerous aquatic birds that run on water prior to flying including loons and diving ducks (but not dabblers).  I am opting for a smaller species and decreased runway requirement.