[poohbear]

Around 5am one summer morning last year, out walking the dogs.I saw a male mute swan with the pen and cygnets waddle over a path from one pond and enter another.Unknown to the male the pond was the territory of another pair.When the family entered the water the resident male flew over to attack the intruders.The incoming male realised his mistake and turned back but the gygnets were unable to climb the bank.He had no choice but to re-enter the pond to protect his young.The resident male immediately attacked and the ensuing fight was long and viscious.The resident male was obviously the stronger bird but the other bird couldn't show submission and back down because the gygnets were stuck there.Instead of the flight lasting the usual few minutes,it went on for over an hour both birds completely exhausted.The intruding male eventually had to leave his family and leave the pond.
I got over a hundred incredible pics and a memory that will never leave me.The sight of two huge birds,usually placid,trying to drown each other in mortal combat.....Paul.