Swans and Geese return for Spring Nesting

 

Our regular pair of swans and some geese return in early Spring

We are privilidged to witness the resident pair of swans nesting just metres from our wheelhouse.  They normally choose a site on the highest part of the island to nest.  In 2022 they chose another site just metres away, but it was washed away on a high tide and they had to start again in their regular spot.

Swans back on the island.

I'm always worried that they will be disturbed by children or dogs, but so far, in the time we have been here, they have been left in relative peace. 

In Winter they tend to stay further up the estuary towards Helford, and in early Spring they start to venture back up to Gweek, peck the grass and inspect everything with a view, I think, to nest building.

Nine cygnets.

Just 8 next morning

Last Spring I was the first to witness 9 baby swans on the first morning that the parents took them out onto the water.  Unfortunately that evening the last two cygnets were struggling to get up onto the bank near the nest.  Possibly the tide was going out and whereas the others were able to mount the bank, the overhang appeared with the receeding tide and two were left in the water.  It got dark and I could not bear to watch any longer.  But in the morning there were eight cygnets left.  I think I was the only person to know that there had originally been nine.  Incredibly, all eight cygnets survived through Spring and Summer to be chased away by their parents in the Autumn.

Geese are frequent visitors in pairs and in greater numbers, but we have never witnessed a successful nest, or even seen a nest.  The swans do not allow geese to share a nest on the island.