Knobbelzwaan Cygnus olor versus Lepelaar Platalea leucorodia

Three foraging Spoonbills were repeatedly attacked by a Mute Swan. Consequently two Spoonbills left the scene. The third more or less hided from the swan behind some higher swamp vegetation, but in vain. During the next 12 minutes the swan attacked 23 limes, first swimming and after that flying in to the Spoonbill. After this statement also the last Spoonbill flew away. Four Grey Herons Ardea cinerea, who were foraging in the same spot, were not attacked by the swan. It is not known whether the swan protected a nest or young. In case of brood defense it would have made more sense to chase the larger and more predatory herons. Probably the Spoonbills triggered the attacks because of their white colour.