Hi,
I live on a 550 acre lake. In early March, three juvenile mute swans appeared at my dock. Approx. one month ago, one disappeared, and the two remaining swans seem to be a pair. I have a vinyl "island" with a vinyl swim-up platform attached, which is affixed to my dock by a rope, that had been used originally by a mother duck and her ducklings for napping. The swans have now begun climbing onto this platform, with the one I assume to be the female resting on it most often while the other stays nearby. Should these swans come back next year (which I hope they will), it possible that they may try to use this platform as a nesting site? If so, should I encourage or discourage this? The island was purchased for our human guests; however, the birds get much more use out of it, which is fine with me! At least it is being used!
As always, thanks for your time and information!
Pat