Close Encounters With Swans
This weekend the weather has been glorious. There is nothing like a bit of summer sun to make you want to get out and wander around the countryside. My son and I took the dog for a long walk. We decided to visit the ducks in the pond where the old quarry used to be. To get there we have to walk though the woods. There is something magical about the way the light shines though the trees in the summer.
You can just see the dog striding eagerly ahead, happy to be out and about. It was a long walk but we soon reached the pond. The water was full of ducks and geese swimming about. They were also walking about the grass, this little guy caught my eye.
I thought he had a slightly quizzical expression. While we were standing there I noticed that a couple of swans with their babies had swum across the pond heading in our direction.
I knew swans were protective of their babies but I was not expecting one of them to leap out of the water and come right up to us, hissing and arching it’s neck. I quickly grabbed the dog and moved back slowly with my son. I think it would have hurt our King Charles Spaniel quite badly if he had tried to go up to it.
We waited quietly for a little bit until the swan calmed down and started preening himself. My son then very carefully sneaked up to retrieve his bike.
He managed to get his bike without disturbing swan further and we went on our way. I have to say it was an interesting experience and we will be a bit more wary of swans in the future.
I am aware that swans are very protective of their cygnets and would have felt threatened by your dog so you were wise to keep him away. You did manage to get some lovely pictures from you walk, thanks for sharing on Country Kids.
Thanks, I will know to keep well away next time
wow i have never been that close to a swan but i have heard from others that they can be very aggressive!
Thanks for linking up with #Magicmoments – i am pleased your all in one piece! x
he he so are we
We had a similar experience with a goose that pecked Sophie’s bum when she was little – she ran around a corner not expecting it to be there, it chased after her and pecked her. She wasn’t hurt but she is extremely wary of geese now !!
I am not surprised! My mum was stalked by a pack of them once which was funny to watch but not so funny for her.
Yep swans can be very vicious when they are ready. I am always weary when they get too close!
I’ve heard that swans can be very aggressive (perhaps justifiably so when protecting their young), and it seems that you dealt with this very well!
I’m very impressed that you also remained calm enough to take a (very good) picture of the swan too!!!