Several weeks ago, in response to a question sent in by a reader that asked can swans drink seawater, we responded yes, because just above the eyes and under the skin, they have a gland that removes salt from their blood stream and concentrates it in a solution that is excreted from their nostrils. In the photo below, you can see sunlight coming through the nare holes, which are near the base of the bill. When the swan shakes its head, the salt is removed through the nares. Most species of birds have nare holes, which lead to the nasal cavity within the skull, which is part of the respiratory system.
Please join us Thursday night at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck. For more information on my illustrated talk”Beautiful Birds of Cape Ann” visit this post here.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Is this different than the tubenoses, like albatrosses?
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Tubenoses are an order of bird that includes petrals and albatrosses. They get their name from the outer tubular shaped nostrils that are part of the structure of their beaks, which join with their nasal cavity. Just as with the swans nares, concentrated salt is secreted through the tubes of the tubenoses.
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great shot, how long is that lens?
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Thank you snowy23egretBlair, 100mm-400mm and not super heavy either. Fuji make beautiful lenses.
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Also, when I broke and dislocated my elbow, I fell on top of both my other Fuji lenses, the 18-55 and 55- 200mm. Both so well built, no damage Whatsoever!!
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So cool. I never knew this. Thank you, Kim!
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Very welcome Susan, we’re surrounded by interesting creatures here on Cape Ann, by land and by sea!
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I learned so much from you and your pictures are Super. Thank You Kim.
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Thank you so much Anita for your good words, very much appreciated.
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Recycling at it’s finest adaptations great shots and history thanks! 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
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