So,the swan couple in my neighborhood lake (in NC) have had several babies each spring, but oddly, none of them have ever survived. They may start out with 5,6 or 7 babies, but week after week there are always less and less. Last week, this couple, who had 5 babies this spring, were left with just one. The baby was fairly large (probably at least 4 weeks old). This week we went for a walk around the lake, and no baby swan. Lots of feathers on the ground, and the parents were laying on the ground with their heads tucked under their wings, looking very forlorn and dejected. It was very sad. I gather all of the babies had been eaten by something.

Could someone please tell me why it is they aren't able to defend their babies? The multiple geese living on this lake have numerous babies, and don't seem to have any problems keeping their offspring alive. :-(
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