Ask the Swan Specialist

In Response To: Cob started whacking me when feeding the family! (S Silverstein)

I've been feeding a pair of swans at the local park for over a year without incident, and they appreciated it during winter and have been very friendly.

Recently the pair had six cygnets who are doing well. The parents let me feed the cygnets, both in and out of the water, and I even rescued two of the cygnets who'd fallen over a man made waterfall and were trapped below. The parents seemed grateful when I returned their cygnets to them above the waterfall, not hissing or being aggressive even when I was carrying two of their little ones in my hands.

Recently, though, the male swan started to chase me and whacks me with his wing when I am feeding the family. I am not doing anything differently than before, staying a few feet away from the cygnets while feeding them. Sometimes he will eat bread I've thrown and then hit me anyway!

Does he think I'm moving in on his woman, or what??
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