Yes, like most wildlife, the swan can recognize humans that feed and are kind to it. You are also correct in that the stone can severely injure his legs and feet, so you need to feed him in the water and deter his coming out of the water and walking/possibly slipping on the sharp abrasive stone.

Feeding him on the clearing side of the lake can be just as detrimental as he may enter and or stay in an area that predators, including non-friendly humans have access and can do him harm. Try to throw his food out into the water so he has no reason to climb on the stone. The only other option would be to clear an area for him to walk, but this could cause erosion to the area and cause someone to complain and he may be killed by state wildlife officials since Virginia is also one of the states trying to rid Mute Swans from Virginia. State and federal wildlife officials are killing Mute Swans in order to introduce the larger Trumpeter Swans for Trophy Waterfowl hunting purposes. So, they are killing one species to introduce another for hunting purposes. Therefore, keeping him from land and other people will hopefully, keep him safe. The Regal Swan
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