Yeah, I was at a park in Dublin a couple of years ago, feeding the ducks and swans, and there was this little ~4-year-old running around screaming "Raaar!" as he ran through flocks of pigeons (which predictably flapped off a few feet, then settled back down, so he could do it again). Finally the pigeons had enough, and he turned to do the same to a pair of swans. Luckily for him, his mother was actually paying attention and grabbed him before he could get close, saying "Don't 'raar' at them, honey." I really thought I was going to see that kid get the shit kicked out of him by waterfowl - especially since the swan was taller than he was.
We have a permanent pair on the little pond at UNR. (University of Nevada, Reno,) And I Had one decide that it didn't LIKE me picking up the loose Primary feathers on the opposite shore of the pond from where he was, so he paddled across the lake post-haste, and headed out of the water as I started backing up... He lunged and caught the hem of my dress- then hung on! So here I am, backing up the hill at full speed- with a swan hanging onto my hem and keeping up with me! I'm just glad I didn't fall, either from the backwards run, or the laughing fit...
Canada geese run this town during the spring and fall, and anybody what messes with the goose mafia is gonna have troubles. They're big, powerful birds, and they don't just show up in ones and twos!
There's nothing quite as hilariously terrifying as the sight of a pissed-off swan starting to unfold its wings while walking towards you. Half your brain is thinking "Shit!", while the other half is trying to remind you that the swan's brain is about the size of a walnut, and you can probably out-think it to get yourself to safety.
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(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-19 08:29 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-19 08:37 pm (UTC)Oh! Grandma! What a big mouth you have! I never saw such a big mouth!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-19 09:03 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-19 10:59 pm (UTC)I was also SEVEN, but still. I don't trust the bastards.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-20 12:36 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-20 12:58 am (UTC)So here I am, backing up the hill at full speed- with a swan hanging onto my hem and keeping up with me!
I'm just glad I didn't fall, either from the backwards run, or the laughing fit...
(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-20 01:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-10-20 08:45 pm (UTC)