Read on if you don't mind seeing the images, which upset a few of the onlookers! I must admit, I was initially concentrating on the Med Gull but could see a little 'argie bargie' developing on the island. Eventually, this escalated into a full blown fight and the Med Gull, along with every other bird on the water (two GC Grebes were an exception) scarpered!
Taking up the story.....
A Common Buzzard, crop bulging, clearly having recently fed, circled keeping an eye on events?
Round one seemed to be a grapple with bodies and necks locked together, seeing how many wing feathers could be removed......
Having asserted dominance, the victorious male clambered on the loser's back and proceeded to go for a complete submission. This looked to be a 'drowning' tactic but with the water a short distance away, no real harm was done.
The role of the onlooking Swans was unclear. One seemed to be giving a sympathy vote, as if to say 'you're beaten - clear off while you can'....'
Others seemed to be taking a 'glad it's not me', looking away approach!
Eventually, the loser broke free, only to be chased, spray flying everwhere to the smaller island in front of the Memorial hide. Amazingly, he didn't actually fly off but the victor stood his ground as hostilities were brought to a conclusion....
Don't mess with me!!
The Med Gull didn't come back either!!
