Two baby swans hatched at the pond near our house on 5/20.
This morning (6/2), both babies were still swimming and eating with the parents.
At lunch, I noticed only one baby. I found the other one dead in the grass.
It does not appear that it was attacked by a predator.
What are some of the likely causes of it's death?
I removed its body so as not to attract crows, or other predators to the area.
Last evening, we observed 2 herons - one a black-crested night heron, and the other appeared to be a blue heron (though rather small). But both babies were alive this morning.
Other observations:
1)One baby was trying to climb on the adult's back last evening, but the adult wouldn't allow it.
2) There are some corn cobs in the grassy area where the dead baby was found - they appear to have been ornamental corn. Could this have caused the death?
Thank you for your reply
Lititz, PA