We have had a pair of mute swans in the river beside our house for years. On 4th August, the female disappeared leaving the male and 4 well grown cygnets. She returned today, 18th August. Before she left she was seen by a neighbour to be limping quite badly. Today, she was standing on both legs, preening and was walking very slowly and hesitantly. She is looking well and feeding ok.

Why would a female swan leave the family for two weeks?

We live in Stamford UK.

Kind regards