Pen and Cob Friendly built smarter this spring; actually, they didn't build, they borrowed a muskrat house and topped it off with a little swan decor in the form of feathers and twigs. The muskrats lived in the basement and discreetly stayed out of the way of the short tempered Cob.
Eight eggs hatched but one cygnet died immediately and was pushed out of the nest. The remaining seven entered the water after spending a few days looking around and getting used to the chill in the air.
The flock rapidly dwindled from seven to three. At first I blamed the villainous snapping turtles but the thinning out was so systematic and quick that I stopped thinking, near sighted turtle, and began thinking of ma and pa. I believe they downsized the family to make it compatible with the small lake size and diminished weed supply. The adult birds don't want the cygnets to starve, or be in a weakened condition while learning their survival lessons, nor do they want a huge flock banging into one another when it comes time to fly.
Big flying birds need lots of space and the cygnets are starting to build up strength now by flapping across the lake.
By November they'll be flying all over the place and don't panic if they come down where they shouldn't. In the past they've been known to walk around the golf course, meander down the middle of the roads and even visit a backyard patio.
A downed bird will soon get his bearing and maneuver so that he has ample room to take off again or he'll walk back home. They do like to take their good old time-be patient-keep dogs and noisy children from pestering them and they'll find their way home.
A downed bird needs a little help to get out of a dangerous place, quietly herd it using outstretched arms, gentle clucking and slow movements. The bird will back away from you. They do not bite, they will not attack you, they are gentle.
Their number one trick to intimidate is to raise up to full height, puff out the neck feathers and fiercely hiss all the while backing away.
The number two trick is to extend the big wings and flap them in your face. If a bird can't do any of these things, he's probably injured, so carefully fold his wings and pick him up and carry him to a safe, secure place for observation and help.
Even though they are big, they are very light and they seldom need our intervention.
I expect this family of swans will all depart together when the lake freezes and possibly Pen and Cob will blow in next April on a spring breeze, in search of another muskrat house.