Ask the Swan Specialist

What to do if this happens again?
By:Jenny
Date: 25 June 2010

Hi, i have marshes down the road to me, and there have been 3 nests, many of the cygnets did not survive the first couple of weeks, i guess predators. I am a daily visitor to feed them bread everyday. Yesterday, i was feeding the ones just round the corner from another family, when all of a sudden behind me, the other 2 swans and their 2 remaining cygnets appeared. I don't know if swans 'recognise' people but they swim towards me as soon as they see me everyday. So i fed them at the riverside, walked round the river, but was getting worried as they were not in their 'territory' and the area they came to was very open. After an hour, they were still not moving, and i knew it was a vulnerable position, but i didn't know how to get them back to their territory as they hissed when i went near, so i had to leave. Today, i was devastated to find that although they were back in their own territory, they only had one cygnet left. I am anguished that this could of been because of me, because they came for their feed, and want to ask you if there is anything i could of done to prevent this from happening? I am really really devastated that this has happened and feel so guilty. Thankyou.

Messages In This Thread

What to do if this happens again? -- Jenny -- 25 June 2010
Re: What to do if this happens again? -- The Regal Swan -- 25 June 2010
Re: What to do if this happens again? -- Jenny -- 26 June 2010
Re: What to do if this happens again? -- The Regal Swan -- 27 June 2010