Mr. Swan is acting like a very territorial over protecting parent. His territory is anywhere in the vicinity of the nest and we have seen this type of behavior in many swans. Every once in a while, one or two swans will engage anything and anyone within blocks if not acres of their nest.

The best way to control this behavior is to build a nest around the nest, the female and male swans until after nesting. A feeder must be placed in the pen and the pen should have an ample supply of land and water (1/2 and 1/2) so that the swans can access the nest out of water, but still be able to bathe and drink. The fenced-in pen will also protect the male swan from being hit by a car or worse, some human who does not appreciate his aggressiveness and my try to harm or kill him.

Ensure that the fenced-in area is safe from predators. Place poultry fencing (chicken wire) under the fence perimeter along the ground and fold it under the fence so that nothing can dig under the fence, i.e., raccoons, foxes, turtles, etc. On top of the fence, place a thin wire above the top rail. This will prevent predators from being able to climb over the fence as the wire wire will inhibit balance. Good luck. The Regal Swan