Family Reunion ?

Yesterday evening saw two young Swans enter the river unnoticed. I saw them arrive about 8pm and they seemed to know the river, I suspect at least one of them is the offspring from 3 years ago since they seemed to be looking for a territory of their own. Our residents were blissfully unaware of their presence and were in the harbour enjoying some food and evening sunshine.

This all changed when they entered the river and headed up to the island, only to discover the visitors at the head of the creek pool. The cob almost choked on his weed when he saw them, and - adorned with a weed necklace he switched into attack mode ! He homed in on the young cob first and chased him out of the water and then out of the river. The young cob not to desert his new mate circled round fishertown and back into the creek beside his mate. This time our resident pen joined in the fray and headed for the young pen, as our resident cob flew back and straight into the attack ! The young pair got close enough to head down river chased by our cob, they took off and headed out to sea. A valuable lesson for all the young cygnets who watched both parents launch into battle. (short clip below )