Territorial Rights

...were being fought for on the little lake at Les Mangettes this morning. The weaker of the 2 males was eventually forced between some rocks where the stronger one beat him repeatedly with his beak. I honestly thought he was dead and went across to where he was lying amongst the rocks, shooing the tough guy away. I stroked his neck and talked to him softly and after about 10 minutes he weakly picked up his head. He kept putting his head back down again but eventually came to and desperately tried to get up onto dry ground but couldn't make it. As soon as he was back in the water the bully came at him again. He did manage to escape out of the lake eventually, clearly beaten. I doubt he will try to nest there! Meanwhile the winner went back to his mate all lovey dovey (see extra). Swans mate for life and this is their territory!