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REPLACEMENT EGGs for Your Nesting Swans.

March 26th, 2019 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs - (Comments Off on REPLACEMENT EGGs for Your Nesting Swans.)
SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

AND > Basic Procedure to Swap-Out Eggs when Needed.

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TO ENLARGE Images: Right Click on Image – Open Images in New Tab.

Over the Various Swan Nesting Seasons that we have Experienced,
there have been a Number of Times having Replacement Eggs has been Helpful.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

If there is No Cob/Male to Fertilze a Pen/Female’s Eggs:

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Most Healthy Swan Pens/Females are Mature by Age Three 
will Nest and Lay Eggs with or without a Male/Mate.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

An Average Clutch of Mute Swan Eggs = 6 to 8 to Maybe 9 BIG EGGs.
If the First Spring Clutch is Lost – to Flooding – or Nest Raiding Raccoons..
the Second Clutch will have Fewer Eggs..

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

When Swan Eggs are NOT Fertile,
they will often Start to Rot before 42 Days
and SMELL TERRIBLE
before they can be Removed from the Nest.

(42 Days AFTER the Pen is “Sitting” Full-Time to Prevent Recycling. )

If you See Flies Around the Nest/Pen.. the Eggs are Likely Rotting..
Try to REMOVE these Rotting Eggs.. and Replace with Dummy Eggs.
This is a Common Practice with House Birds and at Zoos.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

It is NOT Hard to Locate the Rotting Eggs – THEY SMELL TERRIBLE !

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

There are Nest Raiders.. Likely Raccoons Stealing Eggs.
Some Times People..
take the Eggs before Nesting is Finished.
This will Likely Cause the Pen to Recycle and Lay more Eggs.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Heavy Spring Rain may Soak and Spoil Eggs.
The Eggs Turn Blue once they are Too Wet..
Many Times the Developing Embryos will Drown.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

When the Female is not Ready to “Sit” Full-Time in Early Spring,
while still Laying her Clutch, a very Frosty Night may Freeze the Eggs.

Little Chance these will Hatch. Some of these will be Cracked and LEAK !
        ( If any Eggs Freeze and Crack… REMOVE and Discard them. )

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

If for any Given Year, you want to Prevent Eggs Hatching.
Maybe you do not want to Deal with Cygnets.. Lots of Work.
The Eggs can be Spoiled by Spraying or Oiling..

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

OR you can Replace the Real Eggs with Life-Like Replacements.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

In States where there are “Permit” Mute Swans,
the State Policy may NOT Allow their Eggs to Hatch.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

If your Swan Pair are from the Same Brood and you Determine
it is more Responsible to Prevent their Eggs Hatching.
Often Young Swans are Acquired from the Same Parent Swans..
Reducing Genetic Diversity.

We Rescued the Young Cygnets below.  They were Male and Female Nest Mates.
It would have been Easy to find them a Home Together.
To Prevent Inbreeding, we Arrange Different Forever Homes.

 SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

OR as in the Example Below: The Mature Pen had Died.
The Cob Bonded with his Female Offspring.. ( His Daughter ).
The Owners decided to Rehome them to Different Homes after they
had been Mating and Nesting. Their Eggs were Not Allowed to Hatch.

Now they are Both with Unrelated Mates for Healthier Cygnets.

Having Replacement Eggs can be VERY Handy..
Use them – then Wipe them off and Store for Future Years.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

 The Information below is ADDED.. May 2023 

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs

We have Used our Wooden Replacement EGGs for 5 Nesting Seasons. 
  Washed and Dried.. Ready to Store.. they Look Great ! 
There are NO Cracks in the Finish.. NO Discoloration.. None Stolen.

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs
 We Swapped-Out “Brooke’s” Real EGGs.. at 14-15 Days..
NONE were Fertile..
She Finished her Incubation Time on
Wooden EGGs.. that did no Stink or Attract Flies !!

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 SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

My First Swan Egg Replacements were:
The UnHatched-Unfertile Mute Swan Eggs that I Drained and Filled
with Sand and “Great Stuff” Foam. These were a Little Light Weight.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

I Painted a Sorta Feather over the Plugged Hole. To Sorta Hide the Spot.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

All but One Real-Filled Eggs was Accepted by our Nesting Pens.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

TO my Disappointment, a Raccoon started to Steal
my Real Replacement Eggs
and Chewed them into Pieces..
DARN.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

My Next Plan: WOODEN Eggs..
I Called a WoodCrafter Store. Explained I wanted to have Large Eggs Turned.
They were Happy to Help.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

I took a Gentleman One of my Real Eggs for the Template.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Below are the Measurement of an Average Size Mute Swan Egg.
The Craftsman did a GREAT Job. Now it is Up to Me to Paint & Seal them.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
Measurements
SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
Measurements

He used Heavy Dense Wood.. BIRCH. The Weight is Pretty Good.
Birch Wood is a Hardwood that is Extremely Strong.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

The WoodCraftsman advised me on the most Durable UnderCoat Sealer
and the Outer Finish Product for Outside Wood Items.

If you do not have a WoodCraft Resource.. I Located this WoodCarver.
I Sent him a Real Mute Swan Egg.. and he will be Able to Help Swan Folks.

Greg Dorrance Co. / Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers
Wood Carving Tools, Decoy Carving and Art Supplies

These are Wooden Eggs the Size of Mute Swan Eggs. 
https://gregdorrance.com/product/eggs-large-basswood-swan-3-wide-x-4-1-2-tall/

https://gregdorrance.com/contact/ https://gregdorrance.com/

greg@gregdorrance.com Phone: (508) 222-6255

Greg Dorrance Co. Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers Co.
1063 Oakhill Avenue, Attleboro, MA 02703-7318

When you Order your Wooden EGGs.. Ask for DENSE Wood..
 It is Difficult to get the EGGs to be as Heavy as the Real Mute Swan Eggs.. 

Most Important is the Size and General Shape.
The Pen will NOT be Lifting the EGGs to Check the Weight..
They ROLL the EGGs Multiple Times a Day.. to Incubate them Evenly.

Half of our Wooden EGGs are Only a Few Ounces.. and ARE Accepted !

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

For the Mute Swan Egg Colors I used the Small Bottles of Acrylic Craft Paints
to Tint the Sealer.

The Colors will Vary with the Different Species of Swans.
The Color Samples below are from Regular House Paint Color Samples.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
                       GLIDDEN PPG  SOFT SAGE  is Pretty Close.

These Files Show the Colors I tried to Match in Craft Acrylic Paints.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
AND GLIDDEN PPG    FRESH THYME GREEN   70YY  46/160 
  Is a Good Choice.. 

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

My Goal with the Color Samples Above is to Get As Close as Possible
to the Shade of Green that will Stain to the Color of a Mute Swan Egg.

Recently, One of the Gals in my Swan Network Called and Share that she 
is going to Use >  Annie Sloan’s – Chalk Paints.
I did a Bit of Reading.. Product Reviews Sound Great.

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs

https://anniesloanpaintandcolour.blogspot.com/2020/05/11-dos-and-donts-when-using-chalk-paint-lacquer.html

 This Gal Removed 5 EGGs from the Clutch and Allowed a Few EGGs to Hatch.

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs

https://doriturnerinteriors.com/chalk-paint-brand-review/

I have Not Used Chalk Paints.. They Sound Interesting.  LMS

AND ANOTHER.. Crafty Swan Lady Painted Replacement EGGs..
 She was Surprised how Quickly her Swans Accepted the Wooden EGGs.

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs

First Step..

Sand the Bare Eggs until all Rough Spots are Gone.
Wipe Away any Dust.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Coat with a Good Quality Primer – Sealer.. White
Interior/Exterior Water Base Primer.. Coat – Dry – Sand Smooth.
White Coat AGAIN – DRY WELL..

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

I Used the Little Take Home Container Lids to Keep the Eggs from Rolling.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

I Added Acrylic Craft Color to Tint an Aliquot of the Sealer.
( NOT Entire Can. ) BASE Color Coat Twice..

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
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Time to “Stain” the Eggs. Using Medium Brown Craft Paint.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Dilute the Color until it will Stripe and Smear on the Egg.
I had to Wet my Hands to Coat the Entire Egg with Uneven Coloring.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Then WIPE Dry with a Paper Towel to Remove MOST Paint.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

The Mute Swan Eggs should have an Uneven Mottled Pattern.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

There is a Fluff of Small Feathers in the Swan’s Nest to Cushion the Eggs.
“Feathering the Nest.”

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

I Painted to Small SemiPlume Feather on One End..
To be Sure Which are REAL Eggs Which are Wooden Eggs.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Once the Eggs are VERY Dry, I Completely Coated Three Times
with the SATIN Exterior Seal & Protect Finish. DRY Well.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

The Satin Finish was too Glossy.. On a Very Damp Terry Cloth,
I Generously Sprinkled Fine Grit Bon-Ami & Coarser Ajax Scouring Powder.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Generally Rubbing-Buffing all over until the Eggs had the Same Dull Surface
as the Real Mute Swan Eggs.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

RINSE Well, Dry Immediately. Dry Well before Storing.

After using in a Spring Nest, DO NOT SOAK IN WATER.
Wipe with Soapy Water, Rinse, Dry Well. Store for Next Year.
> > > REMEMBER Where you Put them..
Maybe you will NOT Need them for Several Years..

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How to SWAP-OUT Swan Replacement Eggs.

IF your Goal is to Prevent ALL EGGs Hatching.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

NOTE: When the Swan Pen Starts to “Sit” Full-Time.
Mark Your Calendar. She Needs to “Sit” for 42 Days.

OR IF she Abandon her Eggs on her own. Then Watch for Recycling.

Wait Until the Female/Pen is “Sitting” Full-Time for at least a Week
To Ensure she is Truly Finished Laying..

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Be Sure it is the Pen at the Nest “Sitting” Full-Time.
Most Cobs will Sit with the Clutch as it is being Laid.
For a Clutch of 5 Eggs it will take 9 Days. For 8 Eggs 15 Days for Laying.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

He will Protect the Eggs, but he CAN NOT Incubate them.
Only the Pen can Incubate the Eggs… ALL Eggs at the Same Time.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

During the 8 to 17 Days the Female is Laying her Eggs, she is EATING.
NOT “SITTING !! ” – NOT Incubating !

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Fertile Mute Swan Eggs SHOULD Hatch on Day 37 Plus – Minus 1 Day.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

It is an Interesting Time. But, a Lot Like Watching Paint Dry.
The Pen will hardly Eat during this Time…
Quick Breaks on the Pond to Drink and Relieve herself. Average 6 Minutes.
Most Cobs will Watch the Nest during this Time. Not All.

If the Eggs are Fertile on Day 35 the Cygnets inside the Shell start to Wiggle.
The Pen will be OFF and ON the Nest Frequently.. STARTING to EAT !
The Pen’s Hungry Behavior is a VISUAL SIGNAL Hatching is about to Happen.
The Cygnets are Pipping. IF you can safely get Close you can hear them.

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If the Eggs are Spoiled or Replaced, the Pen will not have this Signal.
She will continue to “Sit.” If the Eggs are not Removed some Pens Starve to Death.
It is for her Health and Safety, REMOVE all Eggs at 42 Days.

The Topic Page Below will Provide more Information.

Timing Swan Eggs to Hatching
https://swanlovers.net/category/timing-swan-eggs-to-hatch/

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Arrange for 3 People to Help with this Project.
Supplies.. One or Two Large Nets.. Maybe a Large Beach Towel..

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

A Bucket Lined with Two Plastic Grocery Bags.

Working Together this will Only take a Few Minutes.

FIRST: Contain the Male..
Either keep him at a Safe Distance Across the Pond.
OR when he come up to the Nest AFTER YOU – Net him.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

SECOND: Net the Pen Or Wrap her with a Large Towel.
Move her off to the Side. Try NOT to Scare Her.
OR Encourage the Pen off her Nest and into the Pond.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Calmly, Slowly, I use a Lawn Chair to Encourage the Female off her Nest.
Turned Around this Also Protects me from being Whacked.

IF there are 5-8 Eggs:

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Check for any Cracked or Smelly Eggs that are Attracting Flies.
Remove these first.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

This Female became VERY Sick from Eating the Pesty Flies.
She died Nine Days after Hatching her Only Cygnet. Then Sadly it Disappeared.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Remove ALL but Two Real Eggs that are OK.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Place only THREE Wooden Replacement Eggs in the Nest.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Release the Pen. Then Release the Cob. Check the Swans are OK..
Someone Watch that the Pen goes back on the Nest and Tends
to the Eggs in her Nest. That she Accepts the Replacements.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

If any of the Removed REAL Eggs are Cracked or SMELL Nasty
– DISCARD THEM.
Rotting Eggs may Explode !! ( Gas PRESSURE )
– KEEP in Plastic Bags.

I had ONE Stinky Egg that I placed in the Bucket Bags.
Put the Replacement Eggs in the Nest. Stood Up.
Picked up my Bucket. BOOM !!!
ONE Egg was that Close to Exploding under our Pen.

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

THE NEXT Day: Do a Basic Check from a Safe Distance
that the Swans are still in Normal Nesting Behavior Mode.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

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ONE Week Later..
Repeat: Remove the Remaining Real Eggs.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

DO NOT Add any more Replacements.
UNLESS there are Eggs Missing.. !!!!

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Swan Pens frequently Lose Eggs during the Nesting Season.
They need several Eggs ( Two or Three) to “Sit” on
for the 42 Days to Prevent Recycling.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

KEEP the Extra Wooden Replacement Eggs as Spares.
There may be some Losses over Time by Raccoons or People..

  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

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ON Day 42 – Remove ALL Eggs from the Nest.
This way the Pen will Start to Eat Again.. and Avoid Starvation.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Wipe Replacement Eggs with Soapy Water on a Terry Cloth.
DO NOT Soak Wooden Eggs. Rinse, DRY Well.
Store for Next Year. Remember WHERE they ARE !

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

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BELOW are Real Mute Swans Eggs.. Drained, Filled, READY to Use. !!

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

BRAD You did a Great Job.. Thanks for Sharing..

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The Winter Months are a Good Time to be Crafty
and Make Replacement Eggs.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

I Must Decline ANY Request to Make Replacement Eggs for you Folks.
I would have to make Hundreds for All the People who have Asked.. (-;
  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Hopefully, You or Someone in your Network of Friends, Family and Neighbors..
is Crafty.. You will Need the Eggs by March.

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs
The Wooden Eggs above were Painted to Create 
a Decorative Mute Swan Nest for her Flower Bed. 
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This is an EXAMPLE of a Mute Pen that had Rotting EGGs.

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs
Trail Cams are becoming Common so Swan Folks
can WATCH their Nesting Swans. 

This Pen had an Egg that Cracked from the Pressure of Rotting Gas.
She Repeatedly TRIED to Pick-up the Stinky Egg Shell.
You can See her Beak Marks in the Shell..
Finally she was Able to Remove the Nasty Egg from her Nest.  

Mute Swan Replacement EGGs

Rotting Swan EGGs are STINK BOMBs.
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REPLACEMENT EGGs Painted Fall 2018
Information UpDated July 2021 (c) SwanLover Linda M.Sweger
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An Example of a Replacement Egg Swap-Out.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Take a Few Minutes to Observe the Nesting Swans..
Walk Slowly – Get Closer a Little at a Time..

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

It is Typical for the Cob to be Patrolling Near the Nest Site.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

This will be the Pen’s Fourth Spring to Nest. She is Dedicated to her Eggs.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Our Helpers were in Place, Ready to Start this Swap-Out.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

I Walked BETWEEN the Nest and the Pond
to see if the Cob would come out to Protect his Female.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Giving the Cob a Little Space to Come up to the Lawn-Nest Area.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

So Sweet, the Cob goes to Make Sure his Female is Safe.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Now it is TIME for him to CHASE Us OFF.. So Predictable.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

The Cob was EASY to Net. He came Directly to Us. OOPs !!

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Be Sure the Net Hoop is Securely on the Ground.
Swans are Good at Wiggling out UNDER any Open Spot .
Check his Neck is Not Twisted and he is Breathing OK.

We Slowly Move the Pen off the Nest with a Lawn Chair.
Do this Slowly, give her Time to Stand-up and Move Away.

The Nest contained a Large Clutch of 8 Eggs.
Working Quickly, I did not Snap Photos that were Focused. DARN !!
The Clutch below is an Example from a Nest in 2017 !!

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

We Removed 5 Real Swan Eggs and Placed 3 Replacements in the Nest.

SWAN REPLACEMENT Egg

SNAPPING One last Photo….
We Stepped back so the Pen could Return to her Nest.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

These Image Tell the Story.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

The Cob was Release and Went Back to the Pond.
We Watched for about 5 Minutes.
The Pen Settled Down on the Nest.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

This Mute Swan Pen will Need to Sit on the Nest for 4 more Weeks.

In One Week the Remaining REAL Eggs will be Removed.
She will Continue to “Sit” on the Three Replacement Eggs.
She will Accept them as hers. They will Smell like her and the Nest.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs

Swan of Beauty, Swan of Grace.
A Queen among her Ancient Race.

The Swan – by Susa Morgan Black.

A FLOATING NEST BOX – PLATFORM for SWANS

March 20th, 2019 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform - (Comments Off on A FLOATING NEST BOX – PLATFORM for SWANS)
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

These will GREATLY improve Survival for Nesting Swans.

Toward the End of this Topic Page I am Adding Images Shared
by Swan Folks Far and Wide of their Swan Nesting Platforms.

To Enlarge Images – Right Click – Open in a New Tab.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

As Hints of Spring are ALL Around.
IT is that Time Again. NESTING for Most Birds and Swans.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Many Native WildLife will have Young to Feed.
Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Bears, Coyotes, Coywolves, Fox, etc.

Unfortunately this means Vulnerable Swans will become Prey.

Watching Swans through their Nesting Season is Interesting.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Each Species of Swans have Different Timing and Nesting Behaviors.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

In Early March Mute Swans are Checking for a Nest Location.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

They Gather Piles of Materials for One to Two Weeks.
The Cob Builds a BIG Messy Nest.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

And/Or the Pen will Pull together a Soft Cavity Nest.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Pen will be EATING as she Prepares for Nesting.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Egg Laying takes 8 to 15 Days on Average. (Male Guards Eggs)

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Pen will “Sit” Full-Time 37 Days for Fertile Eggs to Hatch.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

A VERY Vulnerable Time for Female Swans.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Concern for our Nesting Swans has Increased.
Several Time Large Predators have Dug Under the Pasture Fencing
..and Attack the Field Sheep and Goats.. Life is Scary for our Swans.
Most of the Year they Spend their Night Hours Floating Quietly out on their Pond.
It is Nesting Season that puts our Swans at Greatest Risk.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I decided to Pursue this Floating Nest Platform Project Several Months Ago.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Pond where our Swans are, has a Sheep Pasture on One Side.
During the Last Months of 2018, some Large Predators dug
under the Pasture Fence and Attacked ALL and Kills several of the Sheep.
It was SO Sad. And a Real Eye Opener for All of Us.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I have been Hearing More and More about the CoyWolf Hybrids
as I Talk with other Swan Folks.
This is Occurring ALL Over PA and Many other Eastern States.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

There has been another Attack in March 2020.
These Large Canine are Hungry.. WE are Worried.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

These Large Hybrid Canines are Increasing in Numbers Every Year.
There are Lots of Websites that Discuss the Coywolves.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Mute Swan Cob Trying to Protect his Family from a Coyote.
The location was Fall Brook in Freetown Massachusetts
Photographer (C) Dennis P Durette This Link may Not Work.
But, if you Search * Swan Coyote * the WebPage can be Viewed
http://lakevillewiildlife.com/coyote–swan.html

While Searching for Examples, I Found this YouTube Video…

Coyote feeding on a Trumper Swan, Winter in Yellowstone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhgRTD44d0Y

The DNA of the Eastern Coyotes-Coywolf shows they are a Hybrid
of the Smaller Western Coyotes, the Remaining Grey Wolves in Canada
and Domestic Dogs (Hunting Dogs) that are Tied Outside.

They are not Solitary Animals like the Western Coyotes.
These Larger Canines will Travel in Packs and Hunt in the Day Time.
Their Fur Color, Pale to Dark, has Lots of Variation.
They LOOK like a German Shepherd with a Bushy Tail.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I hardly Speak with Anyone anymore that does not mention
hearing the Howling at Night and their Farm Pets being Attacked.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

This WILD Trumpeter Swans was not Pinioned.
But, it was NOT able to Escape being Snatched by this Clever Canine.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

If a Pond has an Island, Swans Nesting on these Isolated Areas
have a Much Better Chance of Surviving Nesting Season.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

A Gate will be Needed at the Far End of the Bridge.

During the Majority of the Year, our Swans have been Faithful
at Spending their Night Hours Floating OUT in their Pond Water.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

But, Spring Nesting is Different. The Swans will do their Best
to “Sit” and Stay with their Nest & Eggs Day and Night.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Totally Vulnerable. Our Cob “Meadow” can NOT Defend against
these Large Pack Canines. Our Swans are NOW at HIGH Risk.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

“Brooke” and “Meadow” will be 12 Years Old in 2021.
They have Nested each Spring starting in 2012.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

We have been Lucky, they have not been Injured or Scared from their Nests.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Many of their Eggs have been Stolen over the Years.

The likely Culprits are Raccoons.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I have made Replacement Eggs.. to Place in their Nest when Needed.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

It is Marvelous to Find Tiny Cygnets have Hatched..  So Cute. 

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Once the Swans can take their Tiny Cygnets out on their Water
they ALL will be Safer. At least from the Land Predators.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

From the Air there may be Hawks and Owls
to Snatch the Tiny Fuzzy Cygnets.

In the Water there may be Snapping Turtles and Water Snakes..
Or Large Mouth Bass. SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

SO>>>> I Decided I could not just allow them to be Killed.
I wanted to Try Adding a Floating Nest Platform to their Pond..

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

This May not Work. They May not be Willing to Use it.
We are Trying and Hoping this Floating Nest Platform will Protect them.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

My Husband and I felt we could NOT do this Project ourselves.
We hired a Professional Craftsman. I Drew the Plans
and he used his Skills to go from Paper Plans to Construction.

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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

It was Fun to See my Paper Plans become Three Dimensional Wood. 
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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

On the Day the Platform was Delivered, we Put our Cob in a Carrier
to keep Everyone Safe from his Spring Macho Male Hormones.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Helpful Hands joined the Effort and the Team did a Great Job
getting the Platform into the Pond.  THANKs Guys ! 

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

My job: Stay out of the Way.
And try to get some Photos to Document this Project.

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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Man who Built the Nesting Platform did a Wonderful Job.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

For his First time, it is PERFECT. Floats at the Proper Height.
The Ramp Rests just under the Water for Easy Slide Up..

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I am SO Pleased ! !

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******

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Now we need to get “Brooke” up on it.
She is SO Close to Laying Eggs. Within the Week.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Swans are Ignoring the “NEW Furniture” in their Pond.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

We are ALL Brainstorming how to get them to go UP on the Platform.
and Realize all the Nest Material they needs is THERE.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

After Loading the Platform with Nesting Materials,
we Placed a Dish Pan in the Back with WET Feed Mixture.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I am Hoping the Waterfowl Pellet Feed will Smell Good.
When it is Wet it Smells like Fresh Dog Food.

We have used Wet Feed to “Bait” Swans with Pretty Good Success.
I am Hoping if they can not get Feed from their Normal Container
the Smell will get their Attention.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

“Brooke” is Eating LOTs to get ready for Nesting.
I am HOPING she will Smell the Wet Feed and GO Up on the Platform.

Tossing Floating Pellets into the Water by the Platform.
Flopping Lettuce on the Ramp and in the Water.
After Several Days.. NO Interest from the Swans.

The Next Idea we are doing is to Put One of my Garden Decoy Swans
on the Platform.. These are Pretty Close to Life Size..

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

WE Need the Swans to Climb up and Explore.. Fingers Crossed.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I Hoped “Brooke” would want to Check the Swan on the Platform.
But, she Realized very Quickly that it was a Decoy. NO Interest.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

“Meadow” did not Like seeing this Intrusive “WHITE” Swan on HIS Pond ! 

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

It kept him busy Stalking and Studying the Decoy.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Swans have been doing their Mating Dance.
And today was the End of the Fake Swan’s Life.
Her Head was Separated from the Body and the Body
was Dragged from the Platform.
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OH “Brooke” Please Walk-Up and Check-Out the Platform.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Here we Tossed Yummy Lettuce Leaves OUT onto the Platform…
Hoping to Tempt with Favorite Salad Greens.. NO Luck..
The Swans will NOT Go up onto their Nest Platform..
” I WISH I Could Talk to them Five Minutes a Month.”

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

We did NOT Get the Platform into the Pond Early Enough for the Swans to
“Maybe” Understand what it was for.. “Brooke” had been Gathering her Nest Material
for about a Week before the Platform was Finished and in the Pond.

She Started to Lay Eggs Three Days after the Nesting Box was in the Pond.
We will have to Hold our Breath and Worry through their Spring Nesting..
I know the Last Date we will Allow “Brooke” to stay on her Eggs..
They Rarely Hatch.. After 42 Days we will Remove all Unhatched Eggs.

We Tried Everything we Could Think of…
Our Pen had Already Picked her Nesting Site for Spring 2019.
She Laid her Clutch of Eggs.. and Started to “Sit” to Incubate.
She wanted to Nest Against a Fence, just Feet from her Pond.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Our Cob, “Meadow” did his Job Patrolling and Protecting… We were all Lucky.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

While our Pen was “Sitting” on her Big Messy Nest, the Little Duck on the Pond
started to use the Swans’ Platform for their Nests.. They were Safer.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

We Checked the Swans’ Nest Weekly. Checking if Eggs were Missing.
There were Two Eggs Stolen from the 2019 Nest.  Checking for Rotting Eggs.
And Checking for any Signs “Brooke” had Injuries.

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******

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I Like to Bring more Nesting Materials when we Visit and Check her Nest.
I put these Fluffy Dried Grasses Near her Nest and “Brooke”
will Incorporate it after we Leave.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Our Beautiful Pen looks Good..
Fingers Crossed the Nesting Season Ends and she is Safe.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Nine more Days to Check and Worry…..

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

On Incubation Day 43 we Encourage our Pen into the Pond..
and Removed all the Eggs. None were Fertile.. Most Close to Exploding.
Now “Brooke” can go and EAT !!

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I am Adding Notes about the Following Days..
“Brooke” has not been Interested in the Nesting Platform..
I am Glad we Tried..

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Summer Passed Peacefully. Platform is Floating in Place.

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The Little Pond Ducks LOVE the Platform.. They Feel Safe there.

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We are Glad the Little Ducks are Safe.. They are Very Cute..
Time to Think about Next Spring.

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2019 Comes to a Close for this Part of our Story….

This First Year was “Try This and Try That.”

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

2020 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform.
Swan Nesting Platform
2021 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform..
Sigh.
Swan Nesting Platform
2022 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform.. 
Swan Nesting Platform

2023 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform…
Swan Nesting Platform

I do Smile when I See the Pond Ducks Napping on the Platform.
Mid-May our Swans Finished Nesting and are Both Safe.. 
Mute Swan Nesting Platform

THEN a Miracle Happened..  “BROOKE” is UP on the Platform ! 
Swan Nesting Platform
During the Month of June 2023.. Our Stubborn Pen has FINALLY
Walked up ONTO the Platform.. NOT just Once.. but, TWICE.

Maybe….. Maybe NEXT Spring.. she will NEST on it.. Maybe..!!!
 ( Never Give Up ! ) 
Mute Swan Nesting Platform

THEN on a Beautiful November 2023 Day.. BOTH Swans ! !
Swan Nesting Platform
We Got to SEE our Pen on the Nest Platform ! 
Mute Swan Nesting Platform

They JUST Might Use the Platform Next Spring ! 
Mute Swan Nesting Platform
FINGERs CROSSED !!
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Another Benefit of a FLOATING Nest Platform.

If there are Heavy Spring Rains, the Platform will Rise as Flood Waters Swell.
Each Year Many Swan Eggs are Lost during Spring Flooding.

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******SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
******SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform It was Very Sad to see the Swans Lose their Precious Eggs to Heavy Rain Flooding.

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If you do an Internet SEARCH for:
“Swan Floating Nest Box” or “Swan Floating Nest Platform”
There are Several Images onLine.   Several Commercially Available.
I have Added Images Below..

If you are a DIY Person, there are Ideas.. These can be Built.

Our Structure is Mainly Pressure Treated Lumber.
I had the Exterior Covered with TimberTech AZEK Composit.
We have AZEK Material on our Deck – NO Painting.
LOVE the Stuff. Much more durable then Wood. NO Splinters.SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

We added Plastic – PVC Lattice on the Walking Surface.
This will Allows their Toe Claws to Grip and for Good Drainage.
We Planned for the Ramp to be Stable with 65 Pounds of Weight = 2 Adult Swans.

Various Floatation would Work.. Attached on the Under Side of the Platform.

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******SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

This One has Large PVC Pipe Tubes with Heavy Duty Rubber Caps
Double Sealed to Prevent Water Leaking in.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

ALL the Hardware is Stainless Steel..
ALL Screws, Screw Eyes and Quick Link Connectors.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

We Purchased 2 – 75 Foot Reels of Stainless Chain.
Chains are better – Swans will Chew on Ropes.SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Excess Length will allow us Freely to Move the Platform.
We will want to Clean it after Nesting.
And, we might need to Check the Eggs without someone going out in a Boat.SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Platform needs to be Anchored/Positioned out in Deeper Water.
Try to have SOME Shade during Afternoon Hours.

REMEMBER Raccoons can Swim.
So, this is not a Solution for these Nest Raiders.SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Our Swans had Eggs Stolen while Nesting on a Gated Island.
When we checked the Eggs over the Five Weeks,
there would be about ONE Big Egg missing each week.SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

And they Lost MANY more Eggs while Nesting on Land.

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Below:
I am Adding Images of Swan Nesting Platforms
shared by other Swan Folks.
And Nesting Platform Images I Found while Searching OnLine. 
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THANK YOU SWAN FRIENDS
for Sharing YOUR Swan Nesting Platform Images..

First are of the Swan Platform Images from Oranmore, Ireland.
These Wild Swans were Flooded out Year after Year,
until a Nice Man make this Platform for them.

Swan Nesting Platform

Hope Floats for Irish Love Birds 25.05.15 May 25, 2015
A PAIR of Irish Swans have Mated successfully for the first time Thanks
to a Special Man-Made Raft built to prevent their Nest Washing Away.
The Mute Swans, who have been together for Eight Years, Lost all their
Clutches of Eggs to High Tides and Flooding in Oranmore, Co Galway since 2007.
Swan Nesting Platform
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Against all the Odds the 12-year old WaterBirds are now
First-Time Parents to Five Fluffy Cygnets THANKs to a Team of Volunteers
led by Mechanical Engineer Peter Butler, who Built them a Floating Love-Nest.

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******************

In the Netherlands, the City of Amsterdam Built Platforms
along their Canals for their Wild Swans to Nest on..
No Images of any Swans on these Platforms.. 

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

But, One Pair of Swans were Nesting by a Busy Marina.SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

During the Nesting Time, the Cob became Aggressive to a Boater.
Several Days Later he Disappeared..
The Pen-Dam Hatched most of her Eggs and Raised them for several Months alone.

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***********
NOW to our Southern Swan Friend in Sunny Florida

Built with a Good Friend on a Warm Afternoon.
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform ******
This Coated Hardware Cloth will Allow for Great Drainage under the Nesting Fluff. 
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform ******
At First there was No Ramp.. The Swans Showed NO Interest. 
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
  TEN – 10 Minutes after the Ramp was Added
the Young Female Cygnets were Exploring the Platform..
I am SO Jealous ! But, Happy for DL and her Swans.
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

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OHIO BUCKEYE BIRDs.. Breeder of ALL Swan Species..

“At Buckeye Birds we Specialize in Raising Exotic Birds.
Our Primary Focus is on Wild Waterfowl with a Focus on the Various Species of Swans.”

They have Mutes – Trumpeters – Whoopers
Black Australians – Black-Necked – Coscoroba

https://www.facebook.com/buckeyebirds/

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
www.buckeyebirds.com   (Please Copy into Search )
Buckeye Birds Breeds and Sells Swans – Ships in the Continental USA

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Then to a Lake in OHIO.. and a Platform Built for their Beloved Swans..
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

This is Cute.. A Canada Goose took up Nesting almost Immediately.
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

Not sure How ?? In May the Lake Swans were Using the New Nesting Platform.SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

From Pierre – To Build Basic Specs:
The Top Platform is 5 feet by 5. The Skirt adds another two feet all around.

There are 6 PVC Pipes 7 feet long by 4 inch, Water Proof Sealed Caps at each end.
This make it float perfectly.
Be Sure to ADD Stainless Straps to keep the Sealed PVC Pipes in Place.

The Surface is Stable in the Water and will hold Two Adult Swans Easily
with Nesting Material and Cygnets.

To keep in a Fixed Location in the Water..
Consider Large Rust Proof Stainless Eye Screws and Stainless Chain.
(Rope is a Tangle Hazard).

Take Platform in – Store for the Winter to Prevent any Damage from Ice.
Thanks for Sharing Pierre.. 

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Another Swan Nesting Platform from GEORGIA.. THANKs Folks.
They shared a Series of Images – Fun Project.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

The Swans will Supervise this Building Project.
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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform ******

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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform Now for a Little Adjustment to the Ramp..

This Swan Nesting Platform is not Floating.. It is on Support Posts.
It will stay in Place regardless of the Water Level or Weather Conditions.
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
 Now the Challenge is to get the Swans UP On the Platform.
Will they be Tempted with Favorite Foods and Treats ???
Will they Explore and Understand that this is for their Eggs.
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
OH GOOD, YEAH One Swan is ON the Ramp. Good Job !!!
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
 Yeah ! This Time it was Easier.. “Your Treats are UP Here !”
There is Time to become Comfortable with the Platform.
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform Nesting Season is about a Month Away… WE are READY !

OH NO !! There are Squatters !
Canada Geese and Turtles Like this Spot !!
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
The Swans have a Mind of their Own.. We Tried..

They Picked this Spot.
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

We Love our Swans, we Want them to be Safe..

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ANOTHER SWAN PLATFORM… A Large Community Lake..
They Love having Swans on their LARGE Lake.. Want them Safe.
The Folks who Watch Over and Care for the Swans have Built Nesting Platforms.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

I Love to See Swans Naturally Nesting. But, it is too Often Unsuccessful.

Their Swans have Nested several Years.. with Few Cygnets Surviving.
Seasonal Water Level Changes have Flooded Nests.. Wet Eggs – Spoiled..
SO, this Nesting Platform is Stationary.. AND Rises with the Water Level.

Yep !!! A Swan has Moved Onto the Platform… Maybe will Nest There..
FINGERS CROSSED for Next Spring..
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SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
Great Job… I Wish our Swans would at Least Try their Platform..

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This Mute Swan Pen had a Hero who Helped her have a Safer Place to Nest.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform   PVC Pallets

*************
A Swan Lover Shared these Images.. 
Swan Nesting Platform

************** 
These Plastic – PVC Pallets are on the Small Size.. 
I would think Two Securely Connected would be a Good Start to a Floating Platform..  
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
Some Pallets are Structured to Add Floatation Support.
PALLETS MULTI PLASTIC  SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform***************
  WARNING:  Styrofoam as Floatation Material is Risky.. !!

SWAN Nesting Platform
***************
A Large Chuck of Styrofoam Floated UP.. 
The Swans were Chew at it.. HOW much did they Swallow.. OH NO ! 
SWAN Nesting Platform
The Swans are OK.. but, this was a BIG Worry.. 

************* 
This Smaller Platform was Not for Nesting.. But, for Resting. 
SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
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BREEDERs Find these a Good Idea.. 
Swan Nesting Platform

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Swan Nesting Platform
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Swan Nesting Platform

Lots of Creative Ideas..  Thanks to All For Sharing. 

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Midwest Floating Island . . . . . . .
I Found this Idea while doing a Search.
www.MidwestFloatingIsland.com
. . . . . . .BioHaven Floating Wetlands for Habitats.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform

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I will Add more Examples as they are Shared.

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This is a Topic Page in Progress  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   .  .  .  .  .  UpDated February 2024 
(C) Linda M.Sweger .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .I Will Add more..Fingers Crossed.


SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform This was my Fortune Cookie Days before the Platform was Finished.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform