In amongst them!

Stopped off at the duck pond on my way home tonight to try out some more wide angle shots.

Standing at the side, taking some shots, I could see the swans powering over in the hope of food, 2 adults and 7 full grown cygnets! I continued snapping away, moving along the shore for a different perspective. Next thing I notice a gap in the undergrowth, which all 9 swans had now reached. The cygnets climbing straight out and headed for me, eager for the bread I didn't have. In true blipper style I decided that this would be great use of my new lens so kneeled down and captured some group images.

I then lowered my camera from my eye and realised that a wide angle makes thing seem much further away than they really are, the swans in the image were within 6 inches of my nose! I decided this was not good and stood up to find both adults behind me in a semi-protective frame of mind, even less good than before. Rather than run for the car I attempted to back slowly away with the only exit being between the adults, one pecked my rear and the other hissed mildly, slightly concerning, but head down I continued backwards and made it safely back to the car.

Today I learned, wide angle is closer than you think; do not allow large birds to circle you while kneeling; take bread everywhere!