Ask the Swan Specialist

Light On The Swan at Night when Lake is Frozen Over
By:Lynne
Date: 4 January 2016

Hi,

We live on a lake in NJ and have aeration systems in place to try to keep it open for our lone swan. It has been difficult over the last 2 years due to the severe arctic weather and foxes try to get him.

We have kept a light on him at night while he is in the water kept open by the aeration systems. The light is only on when the lake is frozen over and we have the circle of open water for the swan. The purpose of the light is two fold: 1. to allow us to see him at night to know he is okay in the open water circle; 2. to give him light so he would be able to see any foxes near the edge of the circle or seen foxes running across the frozen lake.

I am writing because I want advice to know if the light is the correct thing to do. A few people say that the light blinds the swan and also illuminates him so that predators know he is there.

Light or no light?? What is the better for the swan's survival?

Thanks,
Lynne

Messages In This Thread

Light On The Swan at Night when Lake is Frozen Over -- Lynne -- 4 January 2016
Re: Light On The Swan at Night when Lake is Frozen Over -- The Regal Swan -- 4 January 2016
Re: Light On The Swan at Night when Lake is Frozen Over -- Lynne -- 4 January 2016
Re: Light On The Swan at Night when Lake is Frozen Over -- The Regal Swan -- 4 January 2016