Seriously we here in Idaho are up to our azz in swans all winter. Nothing eats them unless they are desperate. Magpies screw with my cats and the cats prey on songbirds not magpies, if I don’t interrupt them on the hunt. The reason some birds don’t get preyed upon, my guess, is they taste like shit. Get serious boys and girls, some things aren’t good to eat. Sand Hill Cranes aren’t rib eye in the sky. Elk, deer, buffalo, trout, crappie, catfish, perch are a few of the stuff to eat. If they get the swan back, let it go if it’s alive. If it’s not make the assholes eat it. Then deport them or shoot them. IMO.
I somewhat agree with your message, that any particular animal can become a nuisance if population gets out of control, but your comments were so heavily seasoned with profanity, all the way through, I almost did not hear what you had to say.
Swans used to be a delicacy like pheasant. Historically, they were served by the aristocracy and royalty at banquets and feasts. In the past, swans were a prized food, and in some cultures, they were a significant part of the diet.
In the days of market hunting, swans were one of the most highly prized and valued birds.