Hey, there! Log in / Register

Fowl deeds: Evil swans attack innocent little ducklings at Public Garden lagoon

Romeo and Juliet? This year's swans are more like dual Lady Macbeths. Mike the Mad Biologist chronicles the avian war on the lagoon:

... One day I saw one swan prevent the flock of ducklings from entering the pond: wherever the ducks went to try to jump in, the swan was right there hissing at them. That day, the swan even jumped out of the water and pursued them on land.

It gets even more vicious. The swan (again, no idea which one) will try to isolate a couple ducklings and then pursue those ducklings. The duck's mother then tries the 'broken wing' gambit (squawking loudly and then veering off, in an attempt to draw the swan away). It never works. These swans are on a mission.

Neighborhoods: 


Ad:


Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!

Comments

Years ago there was a big problem with swans attacking people in a small park. One year the swans showed up and decided the park belonged to them and no one else could use it. A couple kids were hurt by them so the park was closed while the town tried to figure out what to do. Apparently there was a state law that prohibited killing wildlife, so the town had to get special dispensation. Plus a lot of people didn't want the birds killed. Sorry, don't know the end of the story (don't you hate that?).

up
Voting closed 0

you did that on purpose didn't you. spend your free time at the library ripping the last five pages out of novels, don't you. :-)

up
Voting closed 0

when you say the people say they dont want the birds to be killed do you mean the swans

up
Voting closed 0

I think this is pretty natural behavior for swans, although the really big white ones are an invasive species, so maybe our regular birds don't know how to cope.

up
Voting closed 0

Romeo and Juliet are big bullies - I see them do this regularly. fortunately the ducks are a lot more maneuverable - and also they can fly - R and J are earthbound by man-made design.

up
Voting closed 0