The feeding system (feeder) must be mounted in the water away from the bank or frozen waterways. If a bowl or food is left on the ground near the bank or so that the swans are attracted to the food and must leave the water, then the chances of predators attacking the swans at night become much more likely. Therefore, it does not matter when you feed the swans as they eat day and night, but the food at all times must be placed in a location that predators cannot access the swans. The Regal Swan