As I mentioned in the last swan photo I uploaded, mute swans mate for life and are very caring parents. While the mother took her young to the water to feed them, the cob (pictured) saw to clearing the land of any perceived threats. To say that he was dedicated to his task would be putting it mildly... having already chased several ducks and geese from the area, I watched him aggressively pacing after this one particular goose for well over an hour, occasionally picking up pace and charging with his wings spread wide as you can see here. By moving slowly and employing submissive body language, I was able to get a good vantage point in the middle of the grassy area near to the lake, where I lay and watched as they paced up and down. At certain points the pursuit even took to the water, only to re-emerge onto the land and continue in exactly the same fashion.... by the end of it all I felt a little bit sorry for the goose really, there was just no way he was being cut a break by this protective dad! The aggressive display is more than territorial though, as without their parents' protection the cygnets are pretty defenceless to predators who wouldn't waste any time snapping them up as a tasty little treat. This family's young are sadly now down to 6, from 8 originally. On the week I shot this image they lost one to what seems to have been a fox attack and as a result moved their nest to a smaller, more secluded lake nearby. Still, 6 is pretty good going if they all survive, and with parents like this it seems they have a good fighting chance... This will be my last upload here for a while, at least a few months I'd say. I simply don't have time to interact with the community in the way I'd like at the moment (this is a very comment-driven community as I'm sure you're all aware), as I'm busy trying to get my career off the ground. Things are going well but the little time I can spare to be involved with online art communities really should be on those where I stand a chance of being noticed by publishers and potential clients, or where I can expect to make some sales. I have a lot of time and respect for some of the members here so it's certainly nothing personal, just a case of using my time as efficiently as I am able. If you want to keep up to date with my latest images and developments, you can join my Facebook page for regular updates or indeed check into my website once in a while. Until we meet again, much love, and enjoy your photography! Adam