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When I first arrived at the water's edge on Wednesday of last week, I saw the male Mute Swan, calmly floating along, and then without any warning, he became agitated, really agitated!
He spread out his large wings and started in the direction of a few Geese.
There was one Goose in particular, that seemed to cross him for some reason.
They all scattered out of the water and then one was left, and that was when the action really turned quickly.
While the Swan began the quarrel, the Goose took immediate charge of the situation and turned on the Swan, with great fury!
I am linking
up with Mary for:
"Mosaic Monday"
at:http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
"Mosaic Monday"
at:http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
and
I am linking up with Stewart
at:
Wild Bird Wednesday
(http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/)
It would have been comical, if it had not been also, so frightening to watch.
In the next four images you can see the Goose taking control of the situation and turned the Swan on his webbed feet, so to speak;')
The water was flying high and the Goose was most assuredly, going to get the better of the much larger Swan.
In the fourth image below, if you look closely, the Goose has a mouth full of Swan feathers.
The battle seemed to end as quickly, as it had begun...Whew wee~
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As the Swan began to sulk a wee bit and compose his handsome self, with a little bathing time and preening, at the same time the Goose hopped out of the water and shook his wings off and seemed to be chanting...I am the champion;')~
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The whole time that this was going on at one end of the water's edge, there was a lovely female Swan at the other end, and she was singing the whole time, for her mate, to cool it with the showing off, and reunite with her.
In all of my years of visiting Mute Swans and photographing them, I had until this day, never had the pleasure of hearing their voices.
At least, I do not remember it, if I had.
Below, the female was singing to her mate, and he finally fluffed himself, pulled his act back together and swam to meet her~
Though she was doing more singing, than what this site indicates, you can still hear the sound of a Mute Swan on this site~
http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/1025/overview/Mute_Swan.aspx
They took turns preening and turning upside down to gather in food from the bottom of the water...
Tails up, means all is OK, I expect~
beautiful birds, even in fight mode! great water action shots!
ReplyDeleteNice shots of the interaction. Interesting to see the goings on of wildlife.
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is an amazing kerfuffle to have witnessed, and the photo story you were able to tell was wonderful (since it all ended with perhaps only feelings and/or pride hurt a little!) I imagine it was pretty traumatic to watch. I wonder what it was about the goose that so aggravated the swan to begin with?
ReplyDeleteSwans (and geese too) always look so serene, it's hard to remember they are not to be messed with. Thank you for sharing these, your photos are truly remarkable!
It's not often the Mute Swans are made to retreat! Great shots! That was a very bold and determined goose!
ReplyDeleteWow, poor swan and what a mean goose. I am glad things calmed down. Great action series, Mary!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, beautifully captured, it must have been amazing just being there, watching :-)
ReplyDeletehow lovely to see! fantastic shots and story-telling.
ReplyDeleteWhat drama!
ReplyDeleteI love to watch the swans down at the Esquimalt Lagoon. They are the undisputed kings of the water there.
Superb action shots! That must have been something to witness!! I listened to all the Swan voices - quite a variety.
ReplyDeleteOh Mary what a marvellous post and your photos are amazing.
ReplyDeleteEven without your words the pictures tell the story!
I love the one of the goose on the bank - obviously retelling his story to the family and warning them about swans!
The first shots could be from ballet Swan Lake and remind me of where the ballet tutu originated.
I'm enthralled with your photography skills - may I ask what camera you used?
Shane ♥
http://roseslaceandbrocante.blogspot.co.nz/
Such lovely photos of the birds. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI guess come springtime their is some ruffling of the feathers as males try showing their muscles as it were. Valerie
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! Amazing. Glad everyone calmed down. The swans are so gorgeous. Wonder what set him off. Did he think the goose was interested in his lady??!!!! Thanks for the link to the mute goose call.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely captures of all the drama on water!
ReplyDeleteGreat capture of all the commotion Mary, and I'm glad both were OK afterwards. (except for a few missing feathers)
ReplyDeleteJudith
Oh my word Mary -- that was amazing! Wow. I'm so glad you documented the whole thing. And those swans are so gorgeous! ...Even losing a fight, he is beautiful. Their feather and wing patterns are so lovely and your pictures are just fabulous.. What a great post.
ReplyDeleteWow, great action shots. Fabulous!!
ReplyDeletewonderful story, images and drama Mary. The swan is so beautiful - I can imagine him being a bit put off by a goose interloping in his patch.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Beautiful swans ~ Great photography ~ One of the prettiest posts I have seen (cept for the males fight) Great actions shots, though ~
ReplyDeleteCarol of: (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
Love every angle and photos! The first, I could add that there's a little bit of shyness.
ReplyDeletethat swan is one beautiful creature. and huge. I'm happy you were able to witness this action, and capture it to show us all how beautiful drama among wildlife can be. as always your shots are fantastic. happy week to you Mary. take care now.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos -- I can almost hear the sounds of the water rippling ... Thanks for your thoughtful comments re. my mother. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Such drama! Who needs TV? You captured the whole thing wonderfully. How exciting! Glad no one appeared really hurt. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic display of nature you witnessed. Such great shots!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures / collages. Thank you showed. Wish you a good day / good new week :) Hanne Bente
ReplyDeleteOh goodness -how terrifying! But so beautifully photographed.
ReplyDeleteOh my, talk about being at the right place at the right time! These photographs are stunning, and to have witnessed this act of nature must have been amazing. I have scrolled through and enjoyed your photos several times. They are beautiful...........
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
Very beautiful and exciting series of photos! Maybe you know that I also love to watch the Swans? When they come swimming like that in your first photos, that's telling there is a threat of some kind. The goose was a bit of a surprise!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Pia
Lovely photos of the swans!
ReplyDeleteGreat photowork!
Great photos of all that action.
ReplyDeleteGreat sequence!! Boom & I always avoid the Canada Geese if they're on land. The young adults will actually protect goslings and the older geese as they retreat. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent job of communicating this incredible event Mary. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou took some amazing action photos! What a sight to behold! It's always interesting to view nature up close and see their behavior! Thanks for sharing your fabulous photos with us!
ReplyDeleteHello Mary, This was a riveting action story with stellar photography. I am glad it ended without injury to any of the main characters :) Here in Vancouver, the mute swans are pinioned, since they are not native to the area. This is something that I feel is cruel and something that I hope one day to work towards ending. I'm wondering what the situation is for the swans in your area.
ReplyDeleteA great series showing some really interesting behavior! Nice photos documenting it!
ReplyDeleteI dont think I've heard a Mute swan either (!)
ReplyDeleteGreat set of pictures of a strange interaction.
Cheers and thanks for linking to WBW
Stewart M - Melbourne
Amazing birds and photos. I learned something from your post, too. Thanks and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteReally good camera action here!
ReplyDeleteOh, man! Great action series, Mary! Geese can be so mean (so can hummingbirds, yikes!). Very cool shots, and glad everyone came out all right :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series.
ReplyDeleteA little bit of battered pride recovered there I think Mary. How very well observed, documented and photographed it all was. I was most surprised to see the smaller goose win the argument. We learn something every day.
ReplyDeleteLove the layers of feathers in that first shot - heavenly! :)
ReplyDeleteSUPER action shots!!!!
Beautiful photos...such talent!
ReplyDeleteI seem to have read once that this is the time of year when Swans start mating. They may have started building a nest near by.
What a catch! I can only admire your talent and the photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a catch : ) I can only admire your talent and your photos : )
ReplyDelete