Now we all know how beautiful swans are. I think everyone would agree that they are graceful, majestic, enchanting (or at least appear that way) creatures. We all have this sort of preconception of swans as being lovely and romantic, as displayed by Disney princess fairy tales and such. Thanks, Walt. Anyway, I digress. As I was at a friend’s birthday party a few weeks back, I couldn't help but notice the pond stocked with so many beautiful swans. How beautiful of a background for an event such as this, am I right? Well, being the avid explorer that I am, (really I’m just nosey) I began to make my way down the hill toward these beautiful wonders of creation. I see they're surrounded by geese, which are known for being obnoxious and evil, and also ducks, who, poor fellas, are just guilty by association. I began to make my trek toward the swans, hoping to have this sort of Disney princess moment where we can instantly connect, and go home to purchase one as a pet, when a voice starts shouting behind me. I’m going about my business when I hear a small child yelling for me to stop and to not go any closer to the pond. Well, what does this child know? I am an adult seeking a Disney moment, obviously this child is just out to ruin my dreams, right? Wrong. I finally give the kid a chance to speak to me and explain her distress. See, apparently, while preparing for the party, the mother of the child went out to the pond to set up twinkle lights and such. Apparently swans are quite territorial creatures. What happened while setting up the twinkle lights, is the mom got too close to the proximity of the pond, and the alpha swan did not like that. He began to chase her away from the pond, honking like a mad-man and nipping at her ankles. No, not like Jack Frost on your nose. The mother had put out her hand in order to try and calm the swan, which only threatened him, and he decided to take a taste of her fingers. Thankfully, all was well, and business could go on as usual, but the mother was forced to learn a hard lesson that day. I find it so strange that things are hardly ever as they appear. You, or at least I, see a swan and become overwhelmed with the feeling of magic in the air. That is, until he starts honking and chases you down until you leave him alone. There’s that. I suppose they are much more closely related to geese than anyone would really imagine. Don’t even get me started on my personal interactions with geese. They hate me and all have a personal vendetta against me. No one can convince me otherwise. Now I have become suspicious of swans’ notions of me, as well. I blame Walt Disney for my false conceptions of the beauty and gracefulness of swans. They are really just oversized geese, built to honk until the cows come home. After allowing the child to tell me why I should not go too close to the pond, I decided to leave my adventurous spirit behind and use my senses instead. I suppose disturbing any type of creature in its “natural” habitat can be dangerous, and possibly cost you a finger or two. My suggestion to you is this: the next time you see a swan, merely admire from afar. Don’t let them dash your hopes and dreams of being a Disney character. Just form your own ideas and conclusions. Don’t test it out. They are grouchy, violent creatures, who are no respecter of persons. You've been warned.
