Black swan, Coate Water, Swindon

This is the first time I've seen one of the Australian (it is the state bird of Western Australia) interlopers at the lake. Cygnus atratus was introduced into the UK as an ornamental bird in much the same way as pheasants and peacocks. Inevitably some would have escaped and sightings are not particularly unusual. However, because they have to compete with our native swans for habitat and food they have not become very numerous in the wild. It's a different story in New Zealand where they have gone feral in a big way, benefiting from the absence of predators and competition.

Another great find mr. P !

I was driving in rural Hampshire last week in the middle of nowhere in particular when a peacock ran out in front of me into some woodland. Damn thing disappeared before I could get a pic of it :-(

That's why I go out to zoo's and farms to get a picture of those shy animals and birds like peacocks...

Snap!

You're right about them going feral. My hubby goes out with a bunch of like minded fellows every winter on at 'swan shoot'. The birds compete with the sheep for the farmer's grass.

Lisa

Makes sense! Can you eat them?

Yep. They get turned in to sausages!

Bellissimo foto di cigno nero,sembra che il suo collo sia più lungo del solito,Like,con amicizia,Antonio

Questi cigni neri invasori sembrano avere più a lungo collo di quelli provenienti dal Regno Unito!