Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Lone swan in VA
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 26 February 2015
In Response To: Lone swan in VA (Carol)

Hi Carol:

Yes, you would be correct that this is a juvenile swan, probably 8-11 months of age. At approximately one year of age, the beak becomes the traditional orange/red color of the Mute Swans.

If the juvenile was blown off course or followed the geese looking for food, then it is normal behavior. The swan will probably get its wits and some energy back and then proceed back to its spring breeding grounds. If there is plenty of food, shelter or other good habitat resources on your pond, then the swan may stay and try to find a mate in the area and use your pond as its new habitat. More than likely, it will fly away and it will do just fine until it can find another swan. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Lone swan -- Carol -- 26 February 2015
Lone swan in VA -- Carol -- 26 February 2015
Re: Lone swan in VA -- The Regal Swan -- 26 February 2015