No, this is not normal and if the pond freezes, the swan could drown, be attacked by a predator accessing the bird on the frozen ice, or die from dehydration, pneumonia, starvation and exposure.

If the pond does not freeze, then the bird may have a chance. It sounds as if tis may be a young bird that was too young to fly when the rest of the family took off or he has something wrong with his wings. Is he friendly? Will he come to you? Is anyone taking care of him?

You may need to contact someone, but unfortunately, you have to be careful who you call as many state wildlife entities are killing the Mute Swans or telling various wildlife rehabilitation centers or veterinarians to kill them. This is all based upon non-scientific research and misinformation so that the taxpayer will buy into this killing because the swans are deemed non-native or invasive. This is not the case! The Mute Swans are being used as a scapegoat, killing them off to introduce a larger swan species, Trumpeter Swans into various areas as a Trophy Waterfowl for hunters to increase wildlife permits for the states.

So, please be careful who you might contact. If someone can truly help, they may be able to give the bird a good home such as a private pond or farm. If not, and you can safely capture the swan, you might contact Bob Knox at Knox Swan and Dogs in Illinois. 847-875-3947. He will give it a good home. The Regal Swan