Trumpeter Swans Fighting

[NorthernFocus]

I was down at our local wildlife refuge, Creamers Field, taking in some spring migration. Several hundred geese, a few ducks, and six trumpeter swans (three pairs). Another single trumpeter came in while I was there and zeroed straight in on another one to pick a fight. I never heard them calling or anything but they communicated somehow because the one in the water was ready and waiting for the fight.

Here's the one zeroing straight in on his opponent. I was just trying to capture a landing and had no idea the fight was about to unfold in front of my lens.

http://www.pbase.com/drr1531/image/111789753.jpg

This guy set it up perfect to land and ski right up to the other swan and engage. Note the one on the water is bowed up and ready for the fight.

http://www.pbase.com/drr1531/image/111789755.jpg

Here they are fully engaged. The fight was really more show than actual fight. Not nearly as violent as when geese dust it up.

http://www.pbase.com/drr1531/image/111789757.jpg

The whole thing only lasted a few seconds. Would have been better if they would have accomodated and had their fight someplace with a better background, etc.:scratch

[Harryb]

Nice work Dan, especially on the last capture. :thumb

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, Harry. Zoom lens came in handy in this situation. The first image was at full 550mm(400mm with a 1.4x installed). The last shot was zoomed out to 440mm. Even so I also practiced the fine art of wing clipping during this shoot but chose not to show them off :D

[dlplumer]

Nice set Dan :thumb