Latest Swan News at the Lagoon

Between Precious and a barking dog
By:The Observer
Date: 9 June 2007

Last night, I sat on the bench across from the pond at the Lagoon, and Precious came over, wanting to peck and tug on stuff (play). He tried 3 or 4 nips, but I said, "No, Precious - not tonight" and looked away. A couple more pecks, then a long look before he started preening. Next thing he lay down in front, on the road. There were a lot of people going by, some with dogs -- he was pretty cool with that - as well as runners, walkers and cyclists. Each time someone went by, his wings lifted, then flattened again as soon as they passed. Those wings got enough exercise to last a year!


Then....a young woman came really close to him with her barking dog; this got Precious on his feet in an instant, wings fully outspread, in attack mode. Instead of continuing on her way, she turned around so the dog was snarling face-on at Precious, and there was no way our old swan was going to move back. Another lady who had stopped to talk to me beforehand was so nervous of the dog, she retreated behind the bench.


OK, here's where it gets funny - I know, you weren't expecting "funny" at this point - but you have to laugh! The woman remained, so I stepped between dog and swan -I faced the dog, with Precious behind me. The dear old swan was so excited and he REALLY wanted to get at that dog and show him who was boss (hah!). So what did he do? He bit the *!#$%!!!*!! out of my bum....multiple times - ouch, ouch, OUCH!!!! The offender and her hound eventually left and I retreated back to the bench (where the lady behind it was doubled up with laughter). Precious, the matter now resolved, walked serenely beside me and settled down, calm as you please, to continue preening! I found it more comfortable to stand up the rest of the evening!!!!