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PeterD-2009


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Adopted Goose with Swans

Since seeing this 'adopted Goose' in 2009, I have been contacted by Neil Matthews from Dorchester who has a further update to this intriguing story. Neil has very kindly agreed to add his images to my gallery as a follow-up for others to view/debate.

My original images were taken on the River Piddle and his were close by on the River Frome and this time in the company of 1 adult Mute Swan and 2 Cygnets.

NEW 28 Oct 2010 >> Dave Appleton has also seen this bird and has published his study here << NEW

Read More
19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor) + Gosling or Cygnet?<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
7 / 22

19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor) + Gosling or Cygnet?
River piddle, Dorset.

muteswancynusalor8191417

  • 19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor) + Gosling or Cygnet?<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 19 Aug 2009 - Close-up of head. Copyright Peter Drury 2010
  • 19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor) + Gosling or Cygnet?<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 19 Aug 2009. Gosling or Cygnet?<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor)<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor) + Gosling or Cygnet?<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor) + Gosling or Cygnet?<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor) <br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 19 Aug 2009. Mute swan (Cygnus alor)<br />
River piddle, Dorset.
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010<br />
This view shows the behaviour conundrum. The adult swan is completely relaxed with the Cygnets and the swan-like goose being in each others company. This would not normally be tolerated by adult swans unless there is some kind of affinity between these birds.
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010<br />
This image shows both the goose-like (tail) and swan-like (bill, neck and feet) features of this bird.
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010<br />
This posture is very swan like. The length and shape of the bill are completely different to that of a goose.
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010<br />
The very large feet on this bird can be seen here. The long swan-like bill and swan-like kneck are also evident.
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010
  • 01 Sep 2010 - River Frome - Images kindly donated by Neil Matthews. Copyright Neil Matthews 2010
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