Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Swan nesting in blizzard, covered in snow
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 3 April 2016

Hi Lori:

Swans are build for tough cold weather. Many species nest on the tundra so if this is a day storm (winds dissipate somewhat even though temperatures may be cold), the swan will use her down feathers to keep her and the nest warm. She will snuggle her beak under her feathers and remain quite warm. As long as this is not a severe storm, lasting for days, she should stay on the nest. If she knows that it is too severe and she cannot keep warm, she will leave the nest to get into the water where the temperature is much warmer and abandon the eggs. Once she abandons the eggs, the eggs will be lost.

She may or may not re-nest and produce eggs. Wildlife understand that it is better to leave a nest of eggs that have not produced viable offspring, than to lose the parents that can produce many future offspring. Please let us know how this situation progresses. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Swan nesting in blizzard, covered in snow -- Lori -- 2 April 2016
Re: Swan nesting in blizzard, covered in snow -- The Regal Swan -- 3 April 2016