This evening I think Gluey our Cygnet may have spotted the Crow that attacked him when only a few days old.
The family were heading up stream to Merryton bridge with Penny in the lead followed closely by Gluey.
He stopped and stared at a hoodie Crow close by, I am certain he knew it was the thing that attacked him and maybe even the one that killed his sibling.
He will never forget or be attacked again, and no doubt will always be on guard from this species. Sequence of pics shows the recognition.
I think you're right and I'm sure that after their experiences with the crows his parents have ensured that their offspring are aware of this danger.
ReplyDeleteI found the following set of photographs which I wanted to share with you, particularly after some of the comments you have written about the ducks losing their young. http://www.swanlife.com/swan-burial.html. These are not my pictures or site but I just find the behavioural insight here fascinating and very moving.
Very interesting sequence of photos. Passing vegetation for nest making is a common practice between swans, but I have to say I haven't seen this sort of thing before myself. Humans all too often dismiss other species displays of emotion or recognition as if it were exclusive to us, we have a lot to learn !
ReplyDeleteLooking at the photos, and based on my own observations and studies of our swans. This is not a burial as such but hiding the cygnet for protection against predators. The Pen always covers the eggs when leaving the nest to drink or feed, this not only keeps them warm but hides them from airborne attack. In view of the fact that this cygnet is only days old, the mothering nesting habit is still there and the cygnets sitting position appears still viable to the Pen who is covering it over.
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