Since this is a tidal creek, it usually means that there is water circulation which means that the creek will probably not freeze. This will allow the swans to stay in the water and be protected from predators which would otherwise be able to access a frozen creek or body of water. This open water during the winter will also provide the swans with water for bathing and drinking and whatever food source is under the water during the winter months.

Swans have thick downy feathers which will keep them warm. The sides of the creek (especially if there are reeds and bushes) will help shelter the swans in this inland estuary.

Our major concern would be if the water were to dissipate from the area for whatever reason (drought, storm, etc.) or if the salinity of the water would change significantly which would mean that fresh water is not available to the swans. Usually, these issues would occur in the summer as snow will melt and storm fronts will keep water in the creek during the winter months.

As long as you feed the swans, there is no reason for them to leave the area. A fed swan is a lazy swan and will not care to go anywhere else to look for food. We would suggest that you provide the swans poultry layer pellets for micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) as well as cracked corn (Vitamin A and serves as a filler) as well as lettuce. The lettuce will provide them a vegetative supplement for the winter. Peas are not usually on the swan's diet so, removing these will not cause a problem. Bread is not a bad thing (a treat never hurt) but too much will cause the swan's blood chemistry to change. So, you do not want bread to be the sole food source as it does nothing nutritionally for the bird and in many instances, does not even serve as a filler. The Regal Swan