It was problematic, because he was the final figure in the formation, and his aircraft was quickly falling behind the already perfectly aligned group of smooth, white bodies ahead.
But finally, after a few moments of further struggling and manipulation of the wingflaps, full lift-off was achieved. I observed with interest as the aircraft assumed best rate of climb, and eventually the chubby swan caught up with the rest of his wedge*.
* "wedge" is the proper name for a group of swans when in flight. The above is an allegory, inspired by my observation of a lone swan on the lake outside my building this morning. All around him, gaggles were taking off, and he was really struggling to get off the water. It was as though someone had not taught him proper take off technique. Kind of cute. Eventually he did manage to take off, and -- after flapping his wings vigourously to achieve speed -- he sailed majestically through the air.