We have been getting many emails regarding this type of situation in the past week. Most of the swans seem to have been either blown off course during the major winter storms or just not able to leave. The swan may be trying to get its strength back before flying out and waiting for better weather. As long as there is a 30 foot source of water and the bird is eating, then this is a good sign. However, should the pond completely freeze and the swan falls through and cannot get out, it could drown. If the swan stays on top of the ice without any food source it could starve or a predator crawl onto the ice and attack.

Hopefully, the swan is getting its strength back and will leave the area soon before another major storm front comes along. If not, you may have to get a local wildlife facility to help rescue the swan and move it to another area after checking it out to see that the swan is okay. Be careful, because many states are trying to kill the Mute swans and certain facilities will either ignore an injured or sick swan, euthanize it or let it die. So, please insure that whomever you enlist to help that they are indeed a no kill facility. The Regal Swan