Tough Guys Mute Swans in Fort Erie?

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Bad Guys in Fort Erie? By Earl Plato
The photo below shows two beautiful swans. Right?
Looks can be deceiving. Look closely at the swans. See the prominent black knob at the base of the orange bill. You have mute swans. These guys were introduced from Europe. When? I don’t know. These guys are tough when it comes to nesting. Beware of Cygnus color when they are breeding. A pair will defend the nest and young against all comers. Case in point. A pair of breeding mallard try to establish a nesting site by mutes. No way. The inoffensive mallards are driven harshly away. Humans too look out. They can use their powerful wings and strong bills to inflict some damage. I have been struck by the wings of domestic geese. It hurts. Mute swans have a much powerful hitting force. Mute swans are extremely handsome birds I admit, however, their less than friendly social skills are not admired. Marcy Jacklin, bird expert from Brock University tells us that Fot Erie has been lucky. Trumpeter and Tundra swans are welcome on our waters. We have been blessed with large numbers these past years. Thankfully only a few mute swans. Look again at the photo, eh.