Dario and Cole arrive on time and cause a stir!
A commotion on Swan Lake signalled the arrival of Dario with mate Cole this morning as they immediately summoned the energy to have a battle with established birds Risa and Riso! The best feeding spot on the lake was at stake and although the new arrivals were fresh from completing a long journey, they were able to ward off Risa and Riso. Aggressive encounters are common between birds in the wintering flock and result in the establishment of a dominance hierarchy. Dario and Cole then marked their victory with a triumph display, thought to function as a demonstration of fighting ability, which involved much neck stretching and wing flapping. There are often many aggressive encounters in October and November as the swans try to establish a hierarchy after arriving.
D
ario has kept in line with tradition by arriving ahead of most of the 300 or swans that spend the winter at Slimbridge and has been among the first to arrive at the reserve for the past five winters! His dominance seems to wane as more birds arrive so perhaps his early arrival each winter indicates a clever strategy to exploit the food before more dominant birds fly in!
Dario, Cole, Risa and Riso were also joined by Toby the lone whooper swan again this morning!
