Mute Swans abandoning nest? (1 Viewer)

[sooter]

There were a pair of Mute Swans that had a nest near a riverbank, but it has been abandoned & there is no sign of the swans or any cygnets

Do swans abandon their nests once the cygnets hatch? Or move?

There are a lot of coyotes around, I hope the swans didn't meet an untimely demise

Thx

 

[PYRTLE]

The family would generally stay nearby in the vicinity, until the youngsters were able to fly quite strongly. Certainly the ones I've encountered here in the UK. Perhaps in remote locations the stratergy is different.

 

[KC Foggin]

Same here sooter. Once the cygnets fledge from the nest they are bound to be a coyote meal.
Hi there and a warm welcome to you .
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[sooter]

I had a look around today and none of the other swans in the area were visible either. Located north shore of lake ontario. There used to be 5 or 6 of them in a couple bays around here.

So maybe they are laying low after eggs hatched? Or they got culled by the municipality: apparently they are classified as an invasive species?

 

[delia todd]

Hi sooter and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

Mute Swans are usually loyal to their own stretch of water and fiercely defend it. As Pat said, they'd stay around until the young were able to fly.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news. Please let us know if you find out anything.

 

[sooter]

Thanks everyone!

I was wondering if they actually keep using their nest, after the cygnets hatch?

I see swans sleeping on the water all the time, so once the eggs hatch & the nest has served it's purpose, do they leave it?

They are much safer if they stay on the water

 

[delia todd]

Thanks everyone!

I was wondering if they actually keep using their nest, after the cygnets hatch?

I see swans sleeping on the water all the time, so once the eggs hatch & the nest has served it's purpose, do they leave it?

They are much safer if they stay on the water

No, I don't think so. As a rule once the cygnets have left the nest they don't go back to it.

 

[sooter]

I talked to someone who said they saw all the swan eggs pulled from the nest & smashed on the trail

So it was either some yahoos, or the municipality getting rid of them. Which might explain why all the other swans are gone, too

Sad, as they were majestic and beautiful animals

 

[delia todd]

Oh dear. That is sad Sooter.

Thanks for letting us know about it.

 

[KC Foggin]

Does Canada have no Federal Laws regarding this type of nature reduction? That is so very terrible.

Welcome aboard Sooter

 

[sooter]

I found some informative links:

Invasive species: mute swan - Canada.ca

Information on Environment and Climate Change Canada's bird conservation programs

www.canada.ca

Mute swans: beautiful, invasive, and devastating - Science Around Michigan

Discussing beautiful yet invasive mute swans with Nicole Wood, researcher from Central Michigan University.

www.sciencemi.org

So although they are pleasant to have around, they threaten the native Trumpeter swan, which is struggling to make a comeback. As well as other environmental concerns listed in those articles.

Too bad, really.