This article features a selection of photographs illustrating examples of swan aggression. Images were sourced from my archives. These photographs were all captured during the same visit to LaSalle Park in Burlington Ontario. All of the images were captured handheld using an OM-D E-M1X fitted with an M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 zoom and an M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.
OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-800
Often when we observe swans we are lulled into thinking that these large birds are always calm and majestic.
OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-800, cropped to 3417 pixels on the width
They can be quite territorial especially during mating season. Swan aggression is usually limited to some brief pursuits across the surface of the water.
OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-800, cropped to 3417 pixels on the width
On occasion these pursuits can cover a fair distance as we can see with the following 11 consecutive photographs. Swan aggression is a noisy affair with wings and feet smacking on the water and a lot of water sprayed into the air.
OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the height
In the ensuing mayhem birds can inadvertently intrude into the space of other swans not involved in the conflict. This can cause the other birds to flee, or sometimes join in the attack.
When fights break out they can be vicious causing injuries or even death as swan aggression often involves one bird seizing another by its neck.
OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the heightOM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-640, cropped to 3210 pixels on the height
Swan aggression is often signalled by a bird curling its wings upward as it is swimming towards another bird. If the other swan that it is approaching does not swim away, an attack display and corresponding pursuit can erupt.
Technical Note
Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. Images were produced from RAW files using my standard process. Crops are noted where appropriate.
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2 thoughts on “Swan Aggression”
Amazing images Tom. They aptly illustrate what this great m4/3 gear can produce in the hands of an accomplished photographer. Your work pretty much removes any doubts about whether the m4/3 system can provide a “good enough” image, and far beyond that.
Stay safe.
John
Every photographer needs to assess their needs and use gear that is the best solution for them. After almost 18 months, I can say that our Olympus M4/3 gear more than meets our specific needs.
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Amazing images Tom. They aptly illustrate what this great m4/3 gear can produce in the hands of an accomplished photographer. Your work pretty much removes any doubts about whether the m4/3 system can provide a “good enough” image, and far beyond that.
Stay safe.
John
Glad you enjoyed the images John!
Every photographer needs to assess their needs and use gear that is the best solution for them. After almost 18 months, I can say that our Olympus M4/3 gear more than meets our specific needs.
Tom