PICS: Swan survives battle with cattle after bird-brained decision

A swan had to be rescued from a herd of cattle that struck and trampled on it in the grounds of Blarney Castle in what the estate’s garden manager described as a “surreal” scene.

The bizarre incident unfolded before the lens of Irish Examiner photographer Dan Linehan yesterday on the grounds of the castle, when the swan landed in a field of Limousin cattle.

As tourists looked on, the cattle first surveyed the swan, but when he then hissed at the cows they took off in his direction.