When swans attack!

[Mark]

Here you go.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/royaleventsa...wanupping.aspx

It appears she can own them all if she wants but at present only wants the ones on the Thames

In the Swan Upping ceremony, The Queen's Swan Marker, the Royal Swan Uppers and the Swan Uppers of the Vintners' and Dyers' livery companies use six traditional Thames rowing skiffs in their five-day journey up-river.

The Queen's Swan Uppers wear traditional scarlet uniforms and each boat flies appropriate flags and pennants.

When a brood of cygnets is sighted, a cry of "All up!" is given to signal that the boats should get into position. On passing Windsor Castle, the rowers stand to attention in their boat with oars raised and salute "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans".

Sounds like fun

[Deacon]

Here you go.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/royaleventsa...wanupping.aspx

It appears she can own them all if she wants but at present only wants the ones on the Thames




Sounds like fun

Sounds batshit to me.

[Mark]

We rule when it comes to pomp and ceremony

[Ross B]

I remember as a youngun going to the Norfolk Broads on hols with the parents. I was throwing bread off the back of the boat to some following swans.
One of the bits of bread hit the edge of the boat but didn't fall in. I went to get it the same time as a swan did and it bit my finger.

Obviously, I cried like a girl, but if it couldn't/didn't bite a kids finger off for food, I doubt they could literally disarm a grown human.

Still wouldn't cuddle one though.

[Jonny Wilkinson]

Swans (and geese) are aggressive when their brood is threatened and will run at you with their neck out flapping their wings vigorously and making a raucous noise.

If you get caught by a flapping wing, it can break a limb. Its like being hit with a stout stick. Being pecked might draw blood but it doesn't really hurt...not like a broken limb.

If you don't antagonise them, they'll leave you alone.

If one starts getting angry, your best bet is to back away slowly whilst maintaining eye contact and not making any noise or shoo-ing gestures.

If you turn and run they may catch up with you before they see the danger as having passed and deciding to stop.

If you do get a broken arm from a swan attack, you are either very, very unlucky or a gormless twot that would mither a nest of rats.

[BigD]

Swans are great birds, ive never neen attack by one, had the odd hiss but thats all. they are fun to take photos of to.

as for the Queen owning swans, she needs them just like a ****ing giant boat no doubt lol.

[Ralz]

There are loads of Swans in Dawlish (black ones) and I've never had any of my limbs ripped off by one.

But apparently they can break a mans arm, or blow up a mans house.

[Django67]

One of my friends was sick on a swan once. Not so much as a hiss. Although it did look a bit disgruntled.

:

[Asht_200]

If you get caught by a flapping wing, it can break a limb. Its like being hit with a stout stick. Being pecked might draw blood but it doesn't really hurt...not like a broken limb.

Who told you that? Bird people consider it a myth unless you are suffering from brittle bone disease

[Quail]

A swan attacked me when I was younger. It went for my hand. Its beak wasn't exactly sharp/strong.

I'm sure the wings are very strong, but so are human bones

[Mark]

Bird people

????

[Asht_200]

????

I've just spat my coffee out over the keyboard you git PMSL

[ben8000]

Arn't they the heaviest flying bird?

[Asht_200]

Arn't they the heaviest flying bird?

No, that would be the great bustard

[Unknown Source]

I've known of the one in Whiteley to break a small dogs leg but nothing major to humans. I know humans have been attacked by it but they all seem to get cuts and bruises.

There are signs EVERYWHERE around the business park warning people of the aggressive swan, he is a pretty big swan at that too!

[ben8000]

No, that would be the great bustard

Learn something every day

[FD3oin]

One of them attacked our old springer spaniel years ago when he was swimming towards their cygnets the mother came at him and whacked him on the back with her wing, he turned around and swam back yelping in pain straight away. It must have hit him very hard as he was one tough dog and I never saw him run from anything before or since including much bigger aggressive dogs.

[matthew]

Well they are designed for water, dogs don't really have that much speed in water :water:

[VIDAL BABBOON]

I was bitten on the ass by one as a young boy.

Never sat on the edge of that pond again !

[Jeff]

Here you go.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/royaleventsa...wanupping.aspx

It appears she can own them all if she wants but at present only wants the ones on the Thames




Sounds like fun

Not only can they break your arm, they're bloody vandals too apparently

"Apart from Swan Upping, The Queen's Swan Marker has other duties. He advises organisations throughout the country on swan welfare and incidents involving swans such as vandalism."