Swan Spat

There are lots of Tundra Swans on the freshwater ponds on Assateague Island, which is a treat because I rarely see swans.  

I started observing a trio of swans that clearly was two parents and the juvenile seen here on the right.  I watched as the juvenile kept nipping at the torso of the swan on the left (either Ma or Pa, not sure which).  The adult did not respond, but suddenly junior turned and started giving lots of lip.  Finally, the adult started giving it back and after a bit of wing flapping by junior, whatever the adult did, brought it to heel.  

Perhaps they were discussing politics. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina and Assateague Island in Virginia are known for the wild ponies that have been there for close to 300 years.  We vacationed in the Outer Banks for at least 12 summers when the kids were little for one or two weeks every year.  Everyone I know who has been to the Outer Banks has seen a wild pony, but in all the years, I never saw even one. 

Today, we entered the wildlife loop at the Assateague National Wildlife Refuge and hadn't walked even 50 yards when we came across two ponies grazing and completely unfazed by us.  I have loaded a shot of them into extras.  Later we came across a few more but they were badly backlit and the shots were disappointing. We walked the loop for 3.5 hours seeing all kinds of waterfowl, a bald eagle, warblers, a racoon, and snow geese.  It is really a magical place.  Hopefully more about the ponies tomorrow.