This is normal behavior for some swan pairs. Once the mating and nesting is out of the way and the cygnets are big enough to get around, the mother is usually the one that is responsible for showing them how to be swans and how to fly. The male usually stays in the area to protect the territory from predators or intrusion by other swans so that no new swan pairs take over the original pairs' nesting habitat.

The mother may need to take the cygnets to another area with less inclement weather during the winter months and also to show them the surrounding area and migratory paths. If there is a true migration, from one side of the continent to another, then both pairs will make the trip. If the migration involves only a brief flight around surrounding areas, then the mate will usually return. In fact, by the time mating and nesting season is about to begin, the mate should return to its original mate and nesting habitat. We hope this information helps. The Regal Swan