Many of you may have noticed our "friendly" companion down at the run. He is always alert as to what we are doing in "his" backyard. While we have no reports of him actually attacking or being of any real menace to anyone, he does like to hiss and swim back and forth while we are counting. Our theory is that his mate is on the nest and he is being very protective of his family. He will attack if provoked! Swans are not known for their gentle natures. They are actually very aggressive birds and are very powerful as well. I remember someone telling me once that he was out fishing on a pond and got too close to an adult swan with her cygnets. The Mom actually came after him and dented his aluminum boat!! So, just beware! If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please just back away and give him some space! And thanks Betsey for another great photo!
Mute swans can break a human arm with their wings & are not to be trifled with. Our patrolling swan is not showing full aggressive behavior. He hisses mostly at dogs when I've been at the pond and he does not raise his wings in the 'enlarged silhouette' which -like the hackles on a dog's back - are a sign that he is protecting his territory and does not want aggravation.....
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