Close to the swans at Verulam Lake, St Albans, February 2021
The local swans have become very brave and cheeky. Lockdown means increased numbers of visitors to Verulam Lake, and many people feed the swans despite the clears signs that this is not good for them and the other wildlife living here. The swans and geese now simply expect all humans to provide food and come over to demand it. I was pecked and harassed while taking these photos!
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 3 March 2021
Posted as part of Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge
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Travel with Intent 
Great images,Debbie, anoying that people don’t take heed of signs,
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Swans aren’t very nice. Geese can be the same way. At the Preserve, the ducks all paddle over as soon as a person walks onto the bridge. I never feed them but many people do.
janet
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It gets used for family entertainment. Just a shame people don’t think about the impact.
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You are invading their privacy that’s why. haha
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Next time down at Verulam Lake take your telephoto long lens 😀
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They come marching!
I’m not joking – one of them calls out and the geese, swans, ducks, coots, … they all head over. The herons, egrets and kingfishers are more restrained.
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Some of those waddling water birds just don’t have any manners. When you move gracefully you have a certain dignity and much prefer fish. I bet people are feeding bread. That’s going to kill them, too fatty for their digestion. Grain is better because you can’t stop people wanting to connect but not with a bill and flapping 🙂
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Yes, it’s bread and there are numerous signs telling people that it’s harmful. And the food is attracting more birds than the lake can cope with. Apart from bread there just won’t be enough food for them.
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and the smell of the poop will make people complain
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You know you should always ask permission to take photos. They obviously thought you were very rude.
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I do talk to them! But all they want is food
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Beautiful swans. Our geese do the same thing at our park. I snap a photo and run away quickly. 😀
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Very wise, Cee.
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Pecked? No manners, these youngsters! 😦
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Wow!! These are fabulous close up photos Debbie.
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Thank you!
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