Thursday, April 18, 2013

Swanning about

This week's Sepia Saturday features a rather ferocious swan encountered while puttering up the canal at Skipton, Yorkshire (2005).

Out for a swim
We were fine until we got within hailing distance of her squad of cygnets, at which point she literally ran us down, snapping at our outboard motor and attempting to devour us, starting at the gunwales.
Out for blood

Sampling the oarlock
We hastily retreated to the more peaceful town centre where the wildlife is somewhat mellower. Although, note as the two mums pose carelessly on shore, the two swans eye the escaped toddler.
Civilisation
Swans were not the only creatures keeping an eye on us.
Canal life

Time standing still

10 comments:

Brett Payne said...

The world seen from the canal is a very different one. I have very fond memories of three weeks spent on a narrowboat in the Midlands. We were cruising much of the day, and practically every day, but at that pace it never felt hurried, tiring or tedious. A very peaceful and enjoyable holiday.

Nigel Aspdin (Derby, UK) said...

I will quote from Wikipedia as it is probably more correct than what was my belief before I checked today....

"In the United Kingdom there is a popular belief that all swans are the property of the Queen. In fact the Queen's right to ownership of swans is restricted to unmarked mute swans on open water, and this right is exercised only on certain stretches of the River Thames and some of its tributaries."

So maybe you would have escaped a spell in the Tower had you dined on this swan.

Laura said...

so beautiful... I love the photo of the swan with wings outstretched most especially!

Anonymous said...

Your picture of the swan coming at you with wings spread is something!

North County Film Club said...

Those are really beautiful photos. How scary though, the swan looks really mean. I guess she was just protecting her little ones.
Nancy

Alan Burnett said...

That's just up the road from us Sean. Some lovely photos of a lovely part of the world.

Dragonstar said...

Swans can be so fierce! I love the way she's charging you - you prove that photographers take the picture before the retreat!

Kristin said...

That toddler didn't know how close he was to disaster.

Mike Brubaker said...

We've done two narrowboat holidays in Britain and discovered that swans paddle 1.5 knots faster than the narrowboat.

Unknown said...

Swans can be plumb disagreeable at times. (LOL?)

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