Licht Years
where are you going, where have you been?
The Battle of Hop Brook Pond
it started as a quiet day on the pond
just me and two swans by the banks
that is, until two noisy geese landed in the water
and all hell broke loose!
Mr. Swan was clearly not happy sharing his space
he got all bent out of shape
his feathers all puffed up
like a sailboat in full sail
he began to glide at a fast pace
toward the geese
He made it very clear that he was indeed “King of the pond”
the battle continued for a good twenty minutes
flapping, splashing, flapping, splashing
that swan was relentless
until finally the geese gave up
and took off for friendlier waters
and the calm once again returned to Hop Brook Pond
that was enough excitement for one day!
Swans – 1
Geese – 0
Wonderful series of photos, Susan! I really like that last one.
Thanks Kate. After that battle, it was nice to see that swan in a calmer state!
Oh my gosh…what a sight to see, huh? Thanks for capturing the whole thing with your great photos. Yes, war is hell. That last photo says it all. 🙂
Thanks Carol. It was quite a sight! Amazing to see “the dark side” of a swan!
It’s always interesting to watch how they sort things out in the wild! Great captures of it all!
Thanks so much! It was very interesting to see!
It must have been fun to see that live!
It was my excitement for the day! Haha, I live a pretty quiet life!
What a story – with action photos to match. Yes, swans are sooo lovely, and yet always battle-ready.
It was amazing to watch. I had heard that they could be vicious, but I’d never witnessed it before. Pretty wild!
Wow – your photos are all so clear. I love the beauty of the battle. That last one’s great too with the water dripping and it looks like he might be smiling there in victory.
Thanks Sheila. The “battle” took place on the other side of the pond from where I was standing and even with a telephoto lens it was difficult to get a crisp shot. These are very grainy but it was so interesting to watch this play out! That last one was taken when he came back to the banks of the pond. He was certainly a lot calmer by then!
Uh oh! So much for the quiet, but you sure got some beautiful photographs of the commotion, Susan!
Thank you Lisa. It was crazy to watch this! Technically not the best photos but the best I could do under the circumstances.
Fantastic shots of the battle, but the detail in the last shot of the water drops is gorgeous.
Thank you Gunta. For some reason, they didn’t seem threatened by me and let me get close enough to take a few “portraits”.
that’s one territorial swan! Great shots!
That’s for sure! Thanks Carolyn!
Swans generally nest on the same ponds/lakes year after year with their mates. I guess he didn’t want anyone on his pond. Great pictures!
Guess not! I’ve never seen anything like this! Thanks Liz.
Great photo story! You did a wonderful job of capturing the action. 🙂
Thank you. It was wild to observe this!
Your pictures are so full of life, and the coming of spring. The are technically well crafted and a joy to see.
Thank you so much Charlie. You always make my day!
Really telling a story with these pictures.
I just loved watching the drama play out. Doesn’t take much to excite me! (:
exceptional — thank you for sharing
Thank you Diane!
What a fortuitous outing for you…and I do love that last image…just beautiful.
Thanks! You never know what you’ll find at that pond!
You’re welcome…those are good surprises. 🙂
I’ve never seen such a confrontation before. Wonderful capture. 😉
Thank you Cynthia. This was a first for me too!
The first one and the last one are exceptionally beautiful. Liked very mush. 🙂
Thank you!
That must have been engrossing to witness. Swans are territorial and they can be mean, though incredible beautiful.
Yes, it was very interesting to watch. I had heard that swans could be vicious, but this is the first time I’ve actually witnessed it!