I have a cottage on a lake in Michigan. Last summer I had Mama and Daddy Swan with five cygnets (one of which was crippled and later disappeared). They first appeared in early July and visited us all summer.

This year, Mama and Daddy have visited again, but without any babies, which would be hatched by now. Would they still be hidden away in the nest, or is it possible that Mama didn't lay any eggs this year? Do Mutes have young every season, or do they skip a season sometimes? Thanks for any answers.