Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Lonely Swan in Front Yard
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 12 March 2015
In Response To: Lonely Swan in Front Yard (Julie)

Hi Julie

He may be waiting for the pond to unfreeze and he also could be hungry, injured or sick. The problem is that your Michigan DNR will have him and the rest of your swans killed if they find out you have a flock. They and other states want to kill all the Mute Swans so they can open the wetland habitats to introduce the larger Trumpeter Swans for Trophy Waterfowl hunting purposes.

If you report him to a local wildlife facility or veterinarian they could lose their license for treating him. Yes, this is how cruel and unethical our wildlife entities are. They promote hunting instead of conservation because that is how they make money.

We are certainly not telling you to break the law, but if we were there, we would intervene by safely wrapping a blanket around him so he does not get hurt or hurt someone. Then, we would bring him indoors into a shed, garage, or other safe area free from predators and harmful chemicals, fumes, etc. Provide him with cracked corn and poultry layer pellets submerged in fresh water in a bowl and some lettuce and bread. We would give him a chance to warm up, eat and rest and then let him go. He would then probably fly away and go to another open pond once the weather warms. Again, we are not suggesting you do any of this, just letting you know how we would handle the situation. Right now he could starve, freeze or be attacked by a predator. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Lonely Swan in Front Yard -- Julie -- 12 March 2015
Re: Lonely Swan in Front Yard -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2015