Swans: a love story part 2 by danapommet
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Description
It had been a couple of weeks and the salt marsh had a lot more water in it then when I first spotted Edwina. I hadn’t seen any cygnets yet so Saturday morning was boots and old clothing. I went out there, without wanting to risk getting my Pentax wet, so there would be no pictures. Half way around the marsh and I ran into Edwina’s mate. All I saw was a very large swan, in a pose similar to tonight’s posting except he was coming at me like a battleship. I ended up with bite marks on my arms and wet up to my waist. It was muddy and my boots were sticking in the mud. More bites on the back of my legs and butt. He was relentless and chased me all the way to my car. Dana meet Fred.
The eggs did not hatch that summer. I think that the height of the water kept them from hatching. But, the challenge was on. I can’t tell you how many loaves of whole wheat bread were invested in the project to “train” Fred or maybe he was training me. I got pretty good throwing slices of bread, like a Frisbee. I could keep Fred about ten feet away, for he wasn’t all that willing, to let any of the ducks, get any of his bread. Still got my share of bite marks during that summer. Edwina eventually abandoned the nest and joined the daily bread parties and was a much gentler swan. She was only half of Fred’s size and he always placed himself between me and Edwina. Then the leaves turned golden colors, winter was on the way and they were gone.
I spent the winter researching swans. There was no way that this feathered bully was going to get the best of me. The good news was that swans mated for life and returned north to nest in the same place each year. The bad news was that there was a small 'divorce' rate following nesting failure.
Interesting note: Northern Hemisphere swans have pure white plumage but the Southern Hemisphere species are Black Neck Swan or the Austrailian Black Swan.
Also, to try and keep this story to five or six postings, I will be using photos taken over 12 years.
Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous comments & favs.
Dana
Comments (33)
West_coaster07
Excellent capture...love the detail and the story!!!
auntietk
Beautiful!
flavia49
fantastic image!!
sandra46
excellent shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CavalierLady
Wonderful story, Dana! Battle scars for a memory! Beautiful image and a most elegant pose that he gave you!
myrrhluz
Beautiful photo and great action story.
beachzz
Beautiful shot--the reflections are gorgeous!! What a great story as well--I'm so glad you stuck with it!!
lizzibell
great capture...
DarkStormCrow
Excellent capture, well done...
bmac62
This is very good...glad you stuck with your project.
Katraz
Super shot love this head on view, sounds like you had to much head on view.
whaleman
Great story! Watch out that you don't get nailed by the wings if they go after you again. They can break arms with their mad wing battering. Dana and Fred - friends forever eh? LOL
durleybeachbum
What a story!!! A superb pic too!
ShadowJam
Such a magnificent animal! Great photo!
GBCalls
Cool photo- great tale.
PD154
Oh my, wait until shari sees this :):):)...Excellent timing Dana!
jendellas
Beautiful shot, love the story & have had many a scary moment with the male swan on our lake. He used to power (almost walk) 0ver the water to get the girls if they were swimming on HIS lake. It was a case of OUT QUICK!!!!!!!
tizjezzme
OMGosh, what a story !!! Were you really chased? (I'm quite gullible, so I have to ask!) LOL I didn't think these birds were so aggressive! Holy moly! lol Great capture! :)
MrsRatbag
Great shot, looks like he means business!
tpx1
nice shot!
moni2000
very cool work
traceyjane
fantastic capture
lucindawind
shes gorgeous ! wonderful capture
3x3
wonderfull shot my friend x
danob
Superb !!
tennesseecowgirl
LOL as I was saying in my last comment beware,, seems you found out the hard way as I did.. Love the story my friend.. and an amazing photo.
petercp
Great lot of information my friend, I only have one word for this picture "Perfect"
Str4wB34ry
Superb! Not even a ripple behind him. Obviously some jealousy there between you two, glad you showed him who's in charge.......!! Pleased you got some pics for all your effort. Well done.
BessieB
A great shot and superb narrative
ShadowsNTime
Lol! What a visual your story gives!!! Oh my, I didn't know they were that aggressive, great story, sorry about the bites tho. Beautiful with the wings up like that, superb image!