January 19th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Working Around an Aggressive Swan - (Comments Off on Working Around an Aggressive Swan)
Working Around an Aggressive Swan
Many Swan Cobs are “Hormones with Wings.”
GIVE A HORMONAL MALE SWAN Lots of SPACE !
MY BEST ADVISE:
“NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON A HORMONAL MALE SWAN.”
LOOK OUT ! !
******************************************************** I LOVE Male Mute Cobs.. and their Pens. The Gentle Graceful Swans of Summer can become Holy Terrors from January through Early Summer. Depends on Several Factors I will try to Share below.
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A Male Swan’s Reproductive Hormones start to Increase Slowly from Late November through December.
During this Stage.. IF a Female is Present.. The Swans will be Courting more. A Lovely Time.
*** Click Images to Enlarge ***
The Most Visual Sign is the Male’s Swollen Knob.
This Wonderful Male Mute’s Knob was SO Swollen He had to Turn His Head to See Forward. This was our “Handsome Fellow.”
The Cob Often becomes MORE Protective of THEIR Pond !
The Term for People are Afraid of Aggressive Swans – Anatidaephobia.
Male Swans are “Programmed” to Chase or Attack other Swan Entering their Territory.. Male Mute Swans Chase White Objects.
I have No Experience with Trumpeter or Tundra Swans During their Hormonal Season.
One Spring Day I was Wearing a White Tee Shirt under a Dark Plaid Shirt. It was a Warm Day… I took off the Dark Plaid Shirt……
This was the Result !! Happened Twice that Day.
When I Put my Dark Plaid Shirt back ON…He Stopped ! From that Day on, I wear Dark or Earth Tone Colors During Hormone Season.
MARCH This time of Year, most Male Swans are very TESTY to down right AGGRESSIVE… Chasing Anyone and Anything that Enters into their Pond Territory..
As Ground Nesting Birds the Swan Cob has to be Fierce to Protect his Female, the Nest and their Eggs.
Males do a lot of “Busking.” Threatening..
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BE CAREFUL WATCH THE COB !!!
I Tossed Him Tasty Romaine Lettuce..
I Moved Back Behind the Cob’s “Line.” There is a “Line” he will Defend. His RED Line.
Mute Cob Guarding his Females while they Munch. He WATCH Me VERY Closely.. I had to Behave.
MALES SWANS FLOG..!!!!! IT HURTS !!
WARN Any Visitors to Your Pond or Lake to KEEP a Safe Distance.
It is Good to Know Where there is a Barrier to Get Behind.
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Our Cob WHACKED my Cart SO HARD He Bent it.
Concerned Our Swan would Hurt Himself.. I Make Soft Repelling Tools.
This is JUST to Keep a Safe Distance.. NEVER Hit Your Swans.
These are Inexpensive Fan Rakes, Layers of Bubble Wrap and Busy Earth Tone Material I can Take OFF to Launder. ************
Another Idea to Keep A Barrier is a Vinyl Trash Can.
This Day I had to Retreat to the Barn and Close the Door.
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This Last Thought is a Quote from a Dear Swan Friend.
This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger January 2017 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
January 19th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Lettuce Play - "Let-Us-Play" - (Comments Off on Lettuce Play – “Let-Us-Play”)
LETTUCE is a FAVORITE TREAT FOR YOUR SWANS.
Bringing a Whole Head of Iceberg Lettuce to your Pond and Tossing it into the Water provides your Swans with a Chance to Share some FUN. They will take turns Picking at the Head pf :ettuce. Often with Vocal “Thank You” Snorts and Head Nodding.
Click Images to Enlarge
Lettuce Play – “Let-Us-Play”
Swans LOVE Lettuce.
Swans will Play with a Whole Head of Iceberg Lettuce Tossed into their Water.
They also will Bite at the Bunch Butt of Romaine Lettuce Until it Completely Gone.
They seem to Enjoy the Taste and Texture of the Center Core.
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The “Let-Us-Play” Game is Fun Often with Happy Snorting.Swans will take turns “Bobbing” for Chunks of Lettuce.
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The “Dam” Shares Lettuce with her Tiny Cygnet.
Young Cygnets Bite the Tender Lettuce leaves.
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A Swan Family Plays the Game “Let-Us-Play.”
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All Species of Swans will Play the Game.
****** ****** Cygnets Teaches a New Cygnet at a Waterfowl Rescue.
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************ Play on a HOT Day – Play on a Fall Day.
A Head of Lettuce in a Pond Full of Duckweed.
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****** ****** Lettuce Play – “Let-Us-Play” Fun for All.
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More Fun then a Basket of Lettuce.
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A Sprinkler and Lettuce in a Bowl on a Hot Summer Day.
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****** ************************************************** This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDate August 2025 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Swans Look Forward to Favorite Treats Some Visits are Weeks Apart.. They Remember.
Some Swans will Hand Feed.. Some will Stay Just Out of Reach. ***************************************************************
Swans Usually Trust the People who Regularly Feed them. There are Exceptions.. All Swans are Different. It is January – “George” is Hormonal ! He is Trusting Rob to Hand-Feed “Hannah.”
It is Winter – “Meadow” is Becoming Hormonal. So Far So GOOD ! Next Visit I was Chased.. I Had a White Shirt On.. BIG Mistake ! ! We were Still Learning.. NO White in the Spring ! *********************************************************************
TRUST is Helpful when Swans are Nesting. There are Times when you will want to Check their Eggs.
She Knows Us Very Well… But, a Nesting Female will Still be a Bit Nervous. Move Slowly – Speak to her Calmly.. Daily Visits to their Nest – Trust – Not All Swans will Allow this. *******************************************************************
Swans have Good Memories. Who they Can Trust.
TRUST ! These Cobs have Left the Safety of their Pond to Visit with Us. Trust. This is TRUST.. SO Cute ! ! Sleeping at my Feet.
Swans Usually Sleep VERY Lightly..
Sitting Close-by and Napping is Trust ! *****************************************************************
A Man and His Swan Enjoying a Walk-Swimming Together.
The Cob below is a Different Swan. Some Swans will Walk with You.
This Young Female would Follow-Walk with Rob..
This Female Liked to Walk with Her Friend. ******
****** This became Part of their Routine when we would Visit. ****** “Boris” would Walk with Me. I Miss him. “George” was Different – He Would “Stalk” me.. There was NO Trust between Us… Just Respecting his “Space.” We were Always on Guard with “George.” Keeping a Barrier between Us. I Miss “George.” – He was ALL Mute Cob. ***************************************************
THINGS THAT MESS-UP TRUST.
Catching Your Swan. They DO NOT Like to be Caught.
They will Likely Stay Away from You for a While.
We Caught this Cob to Rinse his One Eye.. He Stayed on the Far Side of his Pond for Several Visits. ***************************************************************
We Needed this Hormonal Sire in a Safe Place for a Bit. He was NOT Happy. Always Place him in the Shade.
Having Control of the Sire makes it Much Safer to Pinion the Cygnets. Once you Have their Dam you have the Cygnets. Once the Cygnets are All Safely Back on their Pond.. Release their Sire. This Swan Family Avoided Us the Rest of our Summer Visits. For the Rest of the Summer we did NOT have Their Trust.. We would Only Visit every so Often – Not Regularly. ***************************************************************
We had to Rescue “Handsome” and “Harmony’s” Injured Cygnet. For Weeks the Parent Swans Avoided Us.
Every Time We Went to See “Meadow’s” Veterinarian, We Lost Some Trust with this Cygnet.
All his Vet Visits, Treatments, Several Surgeries, Recovery took 9 Months. Daily Wound Soaking – Dressing Changes.. All Necessary.Then in a Few Days We Were OK Again. Regained Trust. Best Friends Again. His Right Foot is Wrapped.
“Meadow” would Routinely Walk with us. Daily Wound Care became Routine. Preening is Acceptance. With Calm NON-Threatening Visits his Trust Returned. ************************************************************************
Being Transported to a NEW Home is Scary.
Once we had All the Young Females Moved – They are Happy. ************************************************************
The Young Swan Below was Not Happy when We Moved him to his New Home. It was Weeks before “Meadow” would Come Near Us. We Returned after a Few Days to a Very Unhappy Cygnet.
We Waited as Long as Possible that Day.. He Stayed Away from Us. We Went to Visit Several Days Later. We were NOT Forgiven.“Meadow” was Pretending Rob was Not There. IF a Cygnet is Capable of Sulking – “Meadow” was Sulking. “Meadow” was Very Lonely – He Felt Abandoned. We were his Family for Months. Now he is Alone. FINALLY a “Hello” Nod.. Friends Again ??
Once we Brought the Two Females to be his Companions, “Meadow” was Happy to Visit with Us. We were Finally Forgiven and Trusted Again. ********************************************************************
When we had to Move “Hannah” to her New Home. She did not Understand for Weeks. Rob Sat Low on the Pond Edge and Talked to “Hannah” Another Visit Sitting Low – Offering a Favorite Treat. Yes, she is Accepting a Treat… ********************************************************************
It Feels Good to be Trusted.
The Routine Treats HELP with Trust – the “White Bag Effect.” Sharing Time and Favorite Food Treats Helps with Trust. The Swans we would Routinely Visit KNOW the White Bags have Goodies. An Afternoon Visit on the Grassy Lawn.. The Dam is Watching Me. (Cute) Now it is Time to Get them Comfortable with the Catch Fencing. Regular Non-Threatening Visits Made Working with this Swan Family Easier. *****************************************************************************
OH NO ! ! Our Cob had Walked to a Neighbor’s Pond.. We Needed to Move this Male back to his Home Pond.
“Meadow” Liked the Large Nearby Pond.. We Needed to “Bait” Him.
Having his Trust was Important. IT WORKED.. Took 10 Days.
We Caught this WayWard Cob and Returned him to his Home Pond.
After Several Visits.. Just Sitting Quietly by their Pond.. The Cob was Back to Visiting with Us.
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This Young Swan lost her Sister Companion. She went into “Survival Mode” and Stayed Across the Pond. Last Time We Visited She was Happy and Playing Near my Feet.
A Predator Killed her Sister.. She was Scared..
******************************************************************* This Young Female was Moved Five Times in One Month. She Avoided Us for Days.. Finally She came to Eat.
We Spent Time with Her Every Afternoon. Once She Trusted Me Again, She Climb Out of the Pond and Sat Down Beside Me.
This was a Very Special Moment.. Acceptance and Trust.
Trust is Mutual. It Takes Time.
We Visited these Brood Swans Frequently for Several Years. They Trusted Me to a Point. One Afternoon, I Got TOO Close.. Moving a Twig. After that “Handsome” Kept me at a Distance. I was NOT as Welcome by the Nest Site. I Lost his Trust. Once their Cygnets were Out on the River.. “Handsome” Brought them for us to See. Trust had Returned. There were Only a Few Visits with their Cygnets. In a Few Days they will be Gone. So Sad.
A Same Sex Male Pair -Three Years Old. “Smile Boys.”We Always Enjoyed our Visits with these Cobs. *****************************************************************************
This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDate JUNE 2021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A Tangle of Fallen Branches formed a Gazebo Shaped Structure.
“Hannah” would Sit under the Branches like a Kid in a Pretend Tent.
Swans do Play Tricks on Each Other. This Happened so Quick..
I Wish my Camera had Caught “Hannah” Pulling on “Handsome’s” Tail.
We Never Knew what would Start them Running Across the Water Surface.
The Swans like to Play in the Currents of Aerators.
Playing the Fountain Spray.
Sprinklers were Fun for the Cygnets and for Me.
A Head or Large Chunk of Lettuce is a Fun Treat.
Even in a Small Kidde Pool… Silly Play would Happen.
Our “Little Hannah” liked to Untie Rob’s Boot Laces.” She was So Pleased with Herself. Silly Girl.
We had these Five Cygnets for a Week.. “Cygnet Sitting..”
They were VERY Happy to be back on their Pond.. PLAY TIME !!!
All Five in a Line Fast Paddling in a Circle..
This was our Little Singer. I Named her “Adelle.” She would Sing and Sing. So Cute.
This Time I did Catch “Hannah” Pulling “Handsome’s” Tail.
Gotcha !
Within Seconds “Handsome” Tugged on “Hannah’s” Tail. “Gotcha” Back !
After Weeks out of the Pond.. Post Surgery. “Handsome” was SO Happy to be in Water Again ! He Splashed for over 20 Minutes.
One Swan Started to Run and within Seconds they all were Running.
This was a Surprise. Five Day Old Cygnets Diving and Playing.. Feet in the Air !
These Young Males Learned How to get Up on the Dock..
And Enjoyed Jumping OFF into the Water.. They would Go Round and Round.
I have Used this Image for “Happy Leap Year” Greetings.
This Shared Image Made me Laugh. (-;
This Little Polish Female had her Own Water Slide.
She would Slip into the Stream Above the Pond.
And Let the Water Flow her Under the Bridge…..
And she would Plop Out into the Pond.. Smart Little Cygnet.
Swans will Often Watch the Sun Set.. The End of Another Day.
The Holiday Light were a Wonderful Addition to their Pond.
****************************************************************************** There are Joys when you have Swans.. Many Moments of Fun. This Topic Page Holds Many Happy Memories. June 2021 Collected and Organized by Linda M.Sweger 2021 ******************************************************************************
January 19th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Bath Time - Joyful Splashing - (Comments Off on Bath Time – Joyful Splashing)
THE Delightful Sound of Water SPLASHING… It is a Time to Smile when you Witness Swans Bathing. Bath Time – Joyful Splashing
Click to Enlarge Images
How do Swans Stay SO Clean and White ??
After Several Long Weeks of Recovery – A BATH ! !
Playing in the Pond Aerator.
A Bath After a Long Trip to his New Home.
A Back Yard Bath
Swans are Comfortable in Icy Winter Water.
This is TOO COLD FOR ME ! !
Freedom
This Page is Just for Fun. Memories that make me Smile.
This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger October 2016 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The More Time we Spend with our Animal and Bird Pets, the More we try to Communicate with them and the More they try to Communicate with Us.
“Meadow” and Rob are Whistling while they Walk. Having the Privilege of Spending Time with many Swans over the Years, we are Aware of some of the Common Ways Swans Communicate with Each Other.
If you Listen Closely you will hear Quiet Muttering.
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****** Nodding a “Hello” Reply. The Quick Head Nod with Eye Contact as you First Come to Visit.. is “Hello” The Throaty Rumble from their Chest is a “Happy Greeting.” Their Body Language can Speak Volumes. Happy Joy – Play Chasing BEST FRIENDS ! ! ******
****** ****** Happy Greeting At a Waterfowl Rescue, a Young Rescued Cygnet is Introduced to the Pond And is Welcomed – Accepted.. Head Turning is a GOOD Sign they Like Each Other. *************************************
Some Times a LOOK Says it All.
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Happy Display ****** Swans of Different Species will Learn to Communicate. Snorting “Thank YOU” for Food and Treats. The Three Quick Snorts with their Heads in the Air is “Thank You.” ****** ****** ****** ****** Swans May Nap Floating Upright in the Water. Head Turning Side to Side is “I Like You.” Young Male Hugs a New Female. Snorting a “Welcome” to a New Female Swan. When their Upper Neck is Puffed UP.. Happy Emotion. ****** “Adoring” the Young Cygnets. Juvenile Swan Listens to Cygnet’s Story. ******
Mute Swans do have Vocals.. Young Cygnets “Whistle and Chirp.”******
Very Young Cygnets Naturally Greet Friendly People. ****** The Cygnets’ Vocals will Change around 5-6 Months.. The Cygnets start to Snort.. and will Whistle Less and Less. Rob and I were able to Whistle with the Cygnets.. but, I Never Developed a Decent Snort.. So, I Stopped Trying. We had to Settle for the “Head Nod Greetings.” Older Cygnets and Adults “Snort’ and “Grunt” and “Arf.” Some Swans “Mutter” and “Hum.”
Several of our Female Swans “Mutter” little Humming Songs as they Eat.. Happy Sounds. Sounds a bit like a Giggle..
We had one Male. who would make a Small ‘Shuus-Shuus” Sounds when he Wanted more Treats.****** We Tried to Hand Feed him.. but he would Stare at us Until we just Tossed his Treats in the Water.
He Enjoyed Cereal Treats. ***************************************
IF you See a Swan Panting.. it Might be TOO HOT !! OR having Trouble Breathing.. This can Happen when you Hand Raise Cygnets. Being on a Pond they are more able to Regulate their Body Temp. Try to Get them INTO Cool Water and Shade ASAP. Remember the Water in a Kidde Pool in the Sun can GET HOT ! ******************************
When you Approach your Swans for a Visit, as you make Eye Contact, Nod “Yes” and Say “Hello.”
There is a Good Chance your Swans will Quickly Raise and Lower their Head to Greet You.
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Both Adult Swans and Cygnets will Nod “Hello.”
******“Pippa” was Always Happy to see Rob.
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Many Swans will “Snort, Snort, Snort” to say “Thank You” when you Bring them Food or Treats.
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Many Swans are Polite and will take Turns with each other. Playing – Swans Sharing a Head of Lettuce.
Taking Turn with a Chunk of Lettuce. Swans are Emotional Creatures.
VIDEO LINK to VOCAL Sounds Young Mute Juvenile Swans – “I Like You” Vocals Necks Puffed-up with Happy Emotions. One Mating Pair at the VERY End… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjvH6d3WY9Y
A Swollen Upper Neck is Happy Emotion.. Swans Expressing Happiness. King of his Pond******
Swans Express Happiness, Love, Patience, Loyalty, Trust and Distrust.
Happy Snorting Preening Together is Social Time. An Adoring Gaze. Male Swan Tells his Female he Loves her. Courting Behavior as Young Swans Pair Bond. ****** ****** ****** Mother’s Love – A Loving Dam Watching the Gentle, Loving Care with her Tiny Cygnet. TRUST takes Time.
Trust
Suddenly Alone this Young Female is Afraid to Trust Us.
Male Swans are Known for their Aggression.
****** This Mute Cob was NOT Happy to See Us ! Aggressive Mute Swan Cob Swans can Threaten, Display Anger, Fear, Concern, Sadness, Loneliness.
When a Male Swan is Pushing Water – LOOK OUT ! ! “Never Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan.” Angry Swan Cob Threatening !! Mute Swan Cob “Killing” the White Pillow !!! Avoid ANYTHING White in the Winter & Spring !
SERIOUS CHASING can End in Injuries !!This is NOT Good to Witness.
Swan killing Swan in High Park, Toronto THE People just stand there WATCHING.. They do not understand what they are Seeing. SAD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnMualBSzKs
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Swans will Alarm when they are Afraid. You will Hear “Arf Arf Arf ” ! !
Wing Flitting… Might be Tenseness.
Hand Raised Mute Swan Cygnets Miss their Parents. A Lonely Swan is a Sad Image. They will Seek Feathered Company.
Swans can be Silly, Joyful, Playful and Tease each Other..
Preening or Flirting ??? Oh, it Feels Good to Stretch. Why are their Feet in the Air ??
****** ****** Swans Doing the Paper Work. Blowing Bubbles – Blowing their Nares. Swans Establishing Pecking Order – Shoulder Nipping. Swan Cob Protecting his Female.
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Swan Cob-Sire Protecting his Family. Swan Pen-Dam Chasing Cygnet from Danger. ****** BUSKING Busking can be Hard to Read… Some Times it is a Threat… Some Times it is an Excited Greeting… BEST to be Careful…
I Walked TOO Close to his Pond. ******
Adult Male is Chasing off his Cygnet.
As you Spend Time with Swans, you will Realize how Intelligent they are. It may not Happen Immediately, but they will Problem Solve.
Male Swan Thinking and Planning to Build a New Nest. ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** “Handsome Fellow” was Pleased with this Nest Site.
Swans are Curious, Suspicious, Cautious. She is Watching What I am Doing. Swans Getting into Trouble. ******************************************
Swans and Cygnets are Aware of Planes and Large Birds Over Head. ****************************************
Alert to a Strange Sound. Mute Swan Alarm Calls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Px9o5JgABc The Alarm Call we know is a Loud “ARF” – Almost a Bark.. They Hold their Neck Tall and Straight…
“HISSSssssing” – Trying to Scare Me Away. Swans will Hiss LOUDLY and Arch into a Tense Posture. They Hope to Look BIG and Scary. It Worked for our Cat.
“Hissing” is “STAY WAY- DO NOT GET CLOSER.” Give them Space or You May get Whacked. Good to have a Barrier.. Heavy Clothing. ***************************************
Swans have Excellent Memories. They Start to Learn their Life Lessons before they Hatch. The Pen will start to Hum to the EGGs the Last Few Days. Now the Dam’s Vocals Sounds like Baby Puppies. Swan Dam Talks to her Cygnets. SWANS DO SING
A Bird does not Sing because it has an Answer, it Sings because it has a Song.” Chinese Proverb Some Swans like to Sing.
Swan May Sing when they are VERY HAPPY ! The Swans are Singing a Joyful Announcement.
A Lone Male Swan will “Sing-Snort,” Calling for a Female to come Find him.
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If a Swan’s Mate is Missing – Has Died or Flown Away or been Removed.. The Remaining Swans will Call for them. MUTE SWAN Calling a Lost Mate CRYing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr6v0oooeM
Swans Change their Vocal Sounds during the Evening-Night Time.
They Become VERY QUIET. They Whisper Quite Little Whistles. OR They Make No Sounds at All.. To Avoid being Noticed. **************************************
Many Swans are Good Listeners.. You can tell them about your Day…( NO Yelling ! ) You can Read your Junk Mail to them.. Tell them Stories.. They like to hear your Voice. If you Smile while your are Swearing.. they will not feel Threatened..
*************************************** Do you Play Music for your Swans.. ??? Swans Enjoy Music.. Easy Listening and Instrumentals.. Piano Music.. Violins..
There are Several People in my SwanNetwork that Play Music for the Swans.. (-;
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SWANs MAKE ME SMILE. This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDated September 2025 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Seeing Swans Peacefully Gliding Together is what we all Want.
Swans are Very Social Creatures.
When there is more then One… Swans will Establish a “Pecking Order” and Know where they Belong in that “Order.” They Eat, Swim, Interact by their “Pecking Order.”
Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition.. November 2024 https://www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › pecking order… The Basic Pattern of Social Organization within a Flock of Poultry in which each Bird Pecks another Lower in the Scale without Fear of Retaliation.
Reddit · r/ENGLISH – “Pecking Order” Meaning.. The Sibling with Greatest Status is at the Top of the Order, and the Sibling with the Least Status is at the Bottom. This Order is called the “Pecking Order.”
In the Image below, the Larger Cygnets are Leading the Brood..
ALL Swans/Birds/WaterFowl will Establish a “Pecking Order.” That is Normal Behavior..
Within the World of Swans there are several way “Pecking Order” occurs ..
When a New Swan is Introduced to be a Companion or Mate.
The “Pecking Order” between them will be Established. It may be Observed within a Few Minutes of Introduction..
It may Last a Few Minutes or take a few Days.. Unpredictable. ******
From Our Experience.. Mature Resident Male Swans are Territorial. They Naturally Claim their Waterway and Protect it.
When a New Female is Released to “HIS” Pond/Lake. The Resident Cob may see this New Swan as an Intruder.
Trespassing on “HIS” Water Environment without “HIS” Permission. Setting Up an Introduction/Chaperon Fence is a VERY Good Idea..
Hopefully, the Male will start Communicating to the Female what he Expects her to do.
There is Often a Brief “Shoulder Pecking” Event.. He is Establishing: “I am the Boss” !
The Female must become “Submissive” to the Male. The Swans below are Emotionally Happy… Both their Upper Necks are Puffed UP !
If the Cob’s Behavior is NOT Too Aggressive, that he is NOT Hurting the New Female.. and NOT Totally Preventing her Being on the Pond and/or from Eating..
If the Female is NOT Afraid of the Male.. Stays Close by – Keeps Presenting herself to him.. they generally Settle into their Dominant – Submissive Order..
The Female MUST learn the Male’s Body Language and Vocal Signals. His Job will be as her Protector.
Protective Male Swans will Swim Behind their Female..
She needs to Respond to him IMMEDIATELY if there is ANY DANGER.
This Dependency/Trust between them will Strengthen as they spend Time Together.
If the Female Faces and “Bows” to the Cob, she is Letting him Know she is Submissive.
BE Concerned,,,, If the Male is Attacking her.. Scaring her.. Causing the Female to FLEE the Pond.. Doing her Best to Avoid him… That “is” to Worry About..
You just do not want Angry Aggression..
If that happens, try to put the New Swan somewhere Temporarily.. A Shed, Garage.. a Secure Fenced area.. ( Safe from Predators ) And Allow the Swans to See, Visit each other as Much as Possible Safely.
>>> Patience is Needed when the Adjustment takes Days/Weeks.. There is No Way to know ahead of time, but, Adjustment will Happen.. Keep the New Swan Safe..
This is Why Planning for the Introduction with a Chaperon Fence or Safe Barrier Area is a Good Idea.. You can Watch them for Favorable or Unwelcoming Behavior..
It is GOOD to keep a Close Watch for a while..
There may/will be some “Shoulder Nipping or Tail Pulling,” some Minor Aggressive Behavior. ( Minor is the Operative.)
Once the Cob Accepts her..
They will Sit and Preen Together.. GOOD SIGN !!
That is Social Behavior like People Watching TV Together. The Puffed-up Neck usually is a Happy Emotion..
The Acceptance may take Several Days.. Until the Swans are Comfortable Together… BE Sure Both Swans are ON the Water at SunSet and SunRise !!!
Once the Pair start Nesting, the Cob is the Pen’s first line of “Nest Defense.”
Since Swans are Ground Nesting Birds, the Cob must be Fierce. Nesting Pens are Very Vulnerable.
Some Examples: Our “Handsome” ca. 10 Years Old and Little “Hannah” 15 Months Old..
We found her at a Live Stock Auction. She was a Sad Little Thing.. SO Dirty and Scared..
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The “Pecking” Behavior lasted maybe 15 Minutes.. We could only Watch.. as the young Female stayed Close to him.. She did not Flee.. but, Allowed “Handsome” to Bully her..
Then “Handsome” treated her as a Cygnet and took Care of her as she Matured..
In No-Time she became the “Pond Princess.” One of the Sweetest..
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When Two Female Swans are going to Live together, ( No Male ) Usually the Resident/Older Pen will Declare Dominance.. ( No Always )
Multiply Pens will Establish an Order from the most Dominant to the Submissive..
Some Lone Pens are Accustom to having their “Apondment” all to themselves.
She did not Advertise for a “PondMate.” Now a Strange Female Swan has Moved in.
It may take some Adjustment Time for a Pen to Share her Space.. She was there First.. and it may be that she is Letting the New Swan/Cygnet know “She is the Boss.” ( the “Pecking-Order.” )
They have to Work this Out. The First Few Days may be Testy..Keep Everyone Safe.. Give them some Time to become Familiar with Each Other..
As long as the New Female is getting to Eat.. Can spend Most of the Time she wants on the Pond.. Is Safely on the Pond a Night.. The Females will become Companions.. Timing.. varies. Usually Females do not take Very Long..
What you Do Not Want to See.. Is ATTACKING.. !!! Getting on the Back.. Trying to Drown the New Swan/Cygnet..
The Resident Female Below was NOT Welcoming to the Younger Female..
There is NO Way to Predict this Behavior. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
When TWO NestMate Male are Living Together..
There will be a Dominant and a Submissive Cob.
****** 9 to 10 Months a Year they will be Best Pond Pals..
If their Hormones do not get TOO Intense.. they will Usually Work-out their Spring Testiness.
****** ******
You might Need to Keep the Submissive One Separate for Several Weeks..
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Within a Brood of Cygnets.. Who Hatch and Grow Together.. there will be a Pecking Order.. They Imprinted as a Brood when they Hatch. There will be Dominant Grabby-Pushy Cygnets..some Bullies. and there will be Shy-Submissive Cygnets.. ****** ****** ****** In a Large Brood there is often One Cygnet that seems to be the ODD One Out.
??? Likely the Runt.. The Cutest Little One, Shy and Quiet..
The Parent Swans will Protect their Brood.. but, I have not Observed them Interferring with the “Brood Pecking Order.” The Dominant Cygnets will have a Better Chance to Survive..
If a Submissive Cygnet/Swan is prevented from Eating by the Dominant Ones. I have Seen-Experienced the Submissive Ones will/may not Eat.. when there is Plenty of Food Available. You may Need to Isolate these Little Ones from the Others.. to offer Food Totally out of Sight of the Others.. Especially, at Night.. HOPEFULLY, the Desire to Survived will take over. ****** This Little Runt is an Example. She was Barely Eating and Could NOT Stand/Walk. Her Nest Mates were between 6-8 Pounds.
We Brought this Tiny Underweight Cygnet Home for One to One Care.
It was 10 LONG Days of Trying Everything I could Think of… and Things Suggested by Others to get this Cygnet to EAT !!!
We were Successful and by 16 Months “Abigal” was Beautiful.
“Abigail” was Adopted for a Lone Male and they had Cygnets for Several Years.
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We Adopted TWO Nest Mate Cygnets.. our “Brooke” and “Spring” from a Farm where the Swans were OVER Crowded. The “Pecking Order” was W A Y T O O L o n g..!!!
“Brooke” would Protect “Spring” but NOT Allow her to Eat..
“Spring” was VERY UnderWeight.. I had Three Feeding Stations for them.. Far Apart.. “Brooke” would Chase “Spring” away after she had a Bite or Two.. Or JUST Give her a “LOOK” that Meant “Don’t you Dare.”
******
******
I finally had to Separate them at around 7 PM each Evening,
“Spring” could Eat at Night and use the Pool Every Other Night.
It took WEEKs for “Brooke” to Allow “Spring” to Eat when they were Together..
When we got the Sisters to a Pond where there was LOTs of DuckWeed…. “Spring” ATE to her Hearts Content…Over Time it all became OK..
****** The Sisters were the Best of Pond Friends. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
After Months of Recovery from a Foot Injury, we Arranged for “Meadow” to Join Two Cygnets his Age on a Small Farm Pond.
“Meadow” was SO Happy to be in a Larger Body of Water.
And to See other Cygnets..
But the Two Cygnets were NOT so Happy with him. They Chased him for Several Hours.. “Meadow” was the Submissive Cygnet of the Three.
We Visited with “Meadow” several Days a Week… Watching him Grow.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Information and Thoughts Compiled November 2024 from our Experiences.. PA SwanLover Linda &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
January 13th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in A Name Fit for a Swan - (Comments Off on A Name Fit for a Swan)
A NAME FIT FOR A SWAN.
Picking a Name for your Swans that Reflect their Personality can be Fun. This Page has Names with their Origins and Meanings. Maybe you will find the Perfect Names for your Enchanting Swans.
These Tiny Balls of Fuzzy Down will Need Names.
“Baby Face”
***NAMEs for Little Female Cygnets and Female SWANs
Click on Photo to Enlarge Image
Dark Eyes
Lady Moon Light Lady Moon Glow
Moon Beam Moon Light Lady Precious Lady “Pretty Girl”
“Snow White”
Stormy
Sweet Heart Sweet Girl
“Sweet Pea” . . . . . A Name of Endearment.
(Lady) “Abigail” . . . . . Hebrew . . . A Source of Joy
******
“Adelaide” . . . . . Old German . . . Hereditary Princess – . . . . . . . . . . . Of a Kind Spirit
Carlotta . . . . . Italian . . . . . One Who is Strong Carmen . . . . . . Latin . . . . . . A Song Caroline . . . . . Teutonic . . . . One Who is Strong
Charmaine . . . . . Latin . . . . . . Little Song Clarice . . . . . . . French . . . . . Little Brilliant One Clarissa. . . . . . Latin . . . . . . One Who Will Be Famous
“Cherie” . . . . . . French . . . . . . Dear One
Claudia . . . . . . Latin . . . . . The Lame Claudette . . . . . Latin . . . . . The Lame
“Holly” . . . . Old English-Anglo-Saxon . . . Good Luck
“Hope” . . . . Old English-Anglo-Saxon . . . Optimistic and Cheerful
Ilsa – See Elizabeth . . . . . Consecrated to God, Oath to God Isabelle . . . . . Hebrew . . . . My God is Bountiful Isadora . . . . . Greek . . . . . A Gift of Isis
“Isolde” . . . . . Welsh . . . . . Ice Ruler In Legend, Isolde is a Beautiful Irish Princess – Fair Lady. made famous by Wagner’s Opera “Tristan and Isolde.”
“Ivadelle” . . . . Scottish . . . . God’s Promise “Darling Ivadelle” is named for a Beloved Great Aunt.
“Laila” . . . . . Hebrew & Arabic . . Dark Beauty, Born at Night She is Named for Laila Ali – the Fighter. . She had a Long Recovery Ahead. Sadly she Lost her Future.
Layla . . . . Arabic . . . Daughter of the Night
“Lila” . . . . Common Indian Name . . . “Beauty”
Lillian. . . . . Latin . . . A Symbol of Purity in Christianity “Lily” . . . . . English . . . Floral, A Symbol of Purity
Natalie . . . . . Latin . . . . Birthday Nellie . . . . . Greek . . . Shining Light, The Bright One
Nina. . . . . . Spanish . . . . . . Girl “Nini”. . . . . Spanish and Chinese . . Little Girl
Nixie. . . . . . Old German . . . . Little Water Sprite, – . . . . A Little Fairy When the Moon is Full. Noel. . . . . . French . . . . Born at Christmas
Tabitha . . . . . . Greek . . . . Eyes like the Gentle Gazelle Tallulah . . . . . . Choctaw . . . Indian Leaping Water – . . . . . . The Joyous Song of Water Playing over Rocks.
Theodora – Dori . . . Greek . . . . God’s Divine Gift Tiffany . . . . . . . Old French . . . Divine Showing “Tilly” – Mathilda . . . Teutonic . . . . Brave in Battle
******
“Victoria” – Torie. . . Latin . . . Goddess of Victory “Victoria” was 6 Years Old in 2019 – Beautiful while Nesting !
This is Another “Victoria.”
Wendy. . . . . German . . . . Family, Wanderer Willa . . . . . . Teutonic . . . . Feminine Form of William
**************************************************** **************************************************** Names that Often go Together… Like:
“George” and “Gracie” Burns . . . . . . TV Personalities.. George Burns and Gracie Allen
“Bert” and “Ernie” . . . . . Best Friends with Different Personalities.
“Jack” and “Jill” . . . . . . . From the Nursery Rhyme..
“Frankie” and “Johnny” . . . A Traditional American Popular Song.
“Bonnie” and “Clyde” Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow Infamous American Criminal Couple of the Great Depression Era.
“Hansel” and “Gretel” . . . . . . . From A Folk Tale.
“Nicholas” and “Alexandra”. . . . . Russian Royalty
“Albert” and “Victoria” . . . . . . . British Royalty
“Elizabeth” and “Phillip” . . . . . . British Royalty
“Duchess Catherine” and “Prince William” . . . British Royalty
“Victoria” and “Prince”
******
“Queen Victoria” and “Princess Diana” . . . . British Royalty These Young Females Swans are GROWING !
“Caesar” and “Cleopatra” . . . . . Shakespeare Characters “Cleopatra” . . . . Ancient Greek – Glory of her Father. “Caesar” . . . . Latin . . . Head of Hair
“Elizabeth” and “Richard”. . . . . . Hollywood Couple
“Lucy” and “Ricky” . . . . . . . . . Hollywood Characters “Lucy” – Lucia. . . English & French . . Light, of Fair Complexion . . . . . . a Name given to Girls Born at Dawn “Ricky” . . . . . . . . German . . . . English Brave Ruler
“Lucy” and “Desi” . . . . . . Hollywood Couple
******
“Victor” and “Victoria” . . . . . . . Movie Characters
“Harry” Met “Sally” . . . . . . . . Movie Characters
“Gretchen” and “Mortimer” “Gretchen” . . . . . German . . . . A Pearl “Mortimer” . . . . Old French . . . From the Still Water
HOW CUTE ARE THESE TINY FUZZBALLs ! !
“Mortimer” and “Randolph” Duke . . . . . . Movie Characters Trading Places is a 1983 American Comedy Film
“Faith” – “Hope” – “Charity”
Seasons of the Year.
“Summer” and “Autumn”
******
“Autumn”. . . . . . The Fall Season.
“Autumn” . . . . . . The Fall Season. “Hans” . . . German/Scandinavian . . God is Gracious
******
“Summer” and “Winter” These Mute Cygnets are Juveniles now and Pair Bonded
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Names of Water, Land and Seasons.
“Brooke” “Meadow” “Spring” “Summer”
“Brooke” and “Spring” are Sister Swans.
Finally, the Perfect Pairing – Alone No Longer. “Rainy” . . . . . . . Latin . . . . . Queen “River” . . . . English . . Stream Of Water That Flows To The Sea
******
Names that All Start with the Same Letter.
“Bonnie” & “Bruce” “Helena” and “Huxton” Helen – “Helena” was a Patron Deity of Sailors. “Helena”. . . . Greek . . . Light or Bright “Huxton” . . . English . . . Farmstead Estate
“Penelope” and “Patrick” “Penelope” . . . . . . Greek . . . . Weaver “Patrick ” . . . . . . . Latin . . . . Noble One, Nobleman – Pat, Paddy, Patrice – Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland.
These Swans Live on a Lovely Golf Course Lake. “Birdie” A Golfer uses One Fewer Strokes than the Par of the Hole. “Bogey” A Golfer Finishes the Hole One Stroke Above Par. ****************** Names of Historic Figures.
“Felix” & “Pierre”
Fictional Characters from Novels, Radio, TV Series or the Comics.
“Radar” – for Corporal Walter Eugene “Radar” O’Reilly – TV Show Mash.
“Tonto” The Loyal Friend and Companion of the Lone Ranger.
“The Lone Ranger” and “Tonto” From the Early 1900s Novels, Radio, TV Westerns and Comic Books.
“Romeo” . . . . . Italian . . . . Pilgrim from Rome
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“Romeo” and “Juliet” . . . Shakespeare . . . Young Star-Crossed Lovers
“Juliet” . . . . . Latin, Greek . . . . Youthful
As Time Passes I learn of More Swans Named “Romeo” and “Juliet.”
******
Another Mute Cob named “Romeo” and his “Juliet” – Their Lives are a Shakespeare Tragedy.
In September of 2021, I have Learned of Another Mute Swan Pair Named for Shakespeare’s Young Lovers. These are Feral Swans. Their Current Fate is Unknown.
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Darcy” and “Bingley” . . Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Charles Bingley
From Jane Austin’s Novel Pride and Prejudice
“Li’l Abner” and “Daisy Mae” . . . Comic Strip Character
“Dagwood” and “Blondie” . . . Comic Strip Character
“Mickey” and “Minnie” . . . Cartoon Characters
“Boris” and “Natasha” . . . Cartoon Characters
“Betty” and “Barney”. . . . Cartoon Characters
“Fred” and “Wilma” . . . . Cartoon Characters
Names of Fairy Tale Characters
“Snow White” and the Seven Dwarfs”
“Snow White”. . . Hebrew. . .Snowy White Winter
“Snow White” and “Prince Charming”
“Snow White” and “Prince Charming” – They have Matured !
“Prince Charming” . . . A Suitor Who Fulfills the Dreams of his Beloved.
“SnowFlake” & “Cecil”
“SnowFlake” & “Cooper”
******
“Molly” and “Clyde” “Molly”. . . Hebrew – English . . . Star of the Sea, Wished for Child. “Clyde” . . . . Celtic . . . . . Heard from a Distance.
“Brody” – “Sofia” – “Alexis” 19 Month Old Brood Siblings.
Laurel and Hardy were a Comedy Duo Act during the early Classical Hollywood Era of American Cinema.
****************
“Thelma” and “Louise” . . . Tragic Movie Characters
Names that Honor History
“Lincoln” . . . . . English . . . . Town by the Pool “Kennedy” . . . . Irish Gaelic . . . Helmet Head – Fierce
Names of Famous Singers:
“Sonny” and “Cher” . . . Sonny – Son . . . Cher – Beloved
“Hank Williams” . . . . on “The Country Music Pond”
“Hank Williams” and “Willie Nelson” . . . Country Western Singers
“Willie Nelson” . . . . on “The Country Music Pond”
“Caruso” and “Angel” “Caruso” . . . . Sicilian . . . . Boy / Lad “Angel” . . . . . Latin. . . . Angelic One
FAMOUS Female Country Singers:
Reba McEntire Loretta Lynn Tammy Wynette
Names that Rhyme
“Minnie” and “Lynnie” Minnie . . . . German . . . . Loving Memory Lynn . . . . . Welsh . . . . . Lake
******
“Lilly” and “Willy” Lilly . . . . . . Latin . . . . Purity Innocence Willy . . . . . German . . . Resolute Protector
“Gracie” and “Lacie” “Gracie” . . . . . . English . . . . God’s Favor “Lacie” – Lacey . . . English . . . . Delicate, Lassy ****** “Swanda” and “Swonald” . . . . Fun Names.
“Gemima” and “Lucky” and “Willie” “Gemima” . . . In Nigeria . . . . It means Peace “Lucky” . . . . He was the Only Summer Survivor. “Willie” . . . . Old English . . . Determined
****** Names of Constellation Stars
“Castor” and “Pollux” . . . The Gemini Twins They are the Brightest Stars in the Constellation “Gemini”
“Castor” and “Pollux” are Two of the Children of Queen Leda – and the Swan.. that was the God Zeus in the form of a Swan.
Stars in the Constellation Cygnus.. “The Swan”
“Deneb” is the Tail of the Swan. “Albireo” is the Beak of the Swan. “Sadr” is the Breastbone of the Swan.
The Constellation Cygnus – The Swan – Is Prominent in the Summer Night Sky. The “Great Swan” Slowly Transits the Sky – All Summer Watching Over Your Swans.
“Athena”. . . . Greek . . . . Goddess of Wisdom ” Zeus”. . . . Greek . . . . God of Sky and Thunder
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Names of Cultural and Religious Significance. “Bodhi” . . . . India . . . Awakening – Perfect Wisdom in Buddhism “Padma” . . . India Hindu Tradition . . . Lotus – Beauty and Charm
“Timothy “. . . . . Greek . . . . Living in God’s Honor “Titus” . . . . . . Greek . . . . Of the Giants Title of Honor
“Girlz” and “Boyz” . . . . Fun Names to Say.
“Molly” . . . . Hebrew – English . . . . Star of the Sea, Wished for Child. “Clyde” . . . . . Celtic . . . . . . Heard from a Distance.
“Max” and “Monica” . . . Living Wild and Free on Amsterdam Canals. “Max” – Maximilian. . . . Latin . . . . . Greatest “Monica” . . . . . . . . Latin . . . . . Solitary One
“Willa” & “Henri” . . . They were Together for Many Years. “Willa”. . . . . . . . German . . . . Resolute Protector “Henri” . . . . . . . . French . . . . . Home Ruler
“Miles” & “Margot” . . . Alone NO More . . Sweet Summer Days Together. “Miles” – Milo . . . . . . German – Irish . . . . “Soldier or Servant.” “Margot” . . . . . . . of French Origin . . . Means Pearl. “Margot” . . . . . . is a French Derivative . . of the Name Margaret.
******
“Lynn” and “Ellie” An Mature Older Cob Loves and Protects his Young Female. “Ellie” . . . Hebrew . . . Bright Shining One “Lynn” . . . . . Old Welsh . . . From the Pool or Water Fall
Such a Sweet Image of Swans Sleeping Peacefully. Eleanor – Ellen – “Ellie” . . . Hebrew . . . Bright Shining One “Darcy” . . . . . French. . . . the Dark One
“Rebecca”. . . . . . Latin . . . . Enchanting, Captivating. “Toby” – Tobias . . . Hebrew . . . . The Lord is Good
“Lucy” – Lucia. . English & French . . Light, of Fair Complexion. _ . . . . . . . a Name given to Girls Born at Dawn. “Jake” . . . . . . Hebrew . . . . . He who Supplants.
“Lucy”. . English & French . . Light, of Fair Complexion. _ . . . . . . a Name given to Girls Born at Dawn. “Ollie” . . . . . Old French . . . . Peace
“Princess”. . . . . . of Royalty or Nobility “Kingo”. . . . . Kingo Sunen is a Fictional Character . . Appearing in American Comic Books published by Marvel Comics.
There are Swans that have Many Friends.. Become a Little Famous. Swans at a Large Public Park.. Enjoyed by the Visitors. Big “Hank” of Seneca Park “Gladys” & Cygnet “Max” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzT-Q_mdLmQ A Happy-Fun Video Lovingly Produced by Nicholas Swann
“Big Hank” . . . . . German . . . . Home Ruler “Gladys” . . . . . . Welsh . . . . . Princess ************************************************************************ These Sweet Cygnets Perished without having Names.
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****NAMEs for Little Male Cygnets and Male SWANs
Names that Continue the Swans’ Patent Lineage.
“Prince Nicholas” . . . . Greek . . . Victory of the People
“Arthur” . . . . Celtic . . . . . . . Strong as a Rock
“Ella” . . . Old English . . Beautiful Fairy Maiden – This “Ella” Turned Out to be a Male..
Augustus . . . . . Latin . . . . . Majestic Dignity, Exalted
Barnaby . . . . . Hebrew . . . . . Son of Consolation “Barney” . . . . . English . . . . . Strong as a Bear
Basil. . . . . . . Greek . . . . . Kingly
Baxter. . . . . . Teutonic . . . . The Baker Beal – Beau . . . . Old French . . . Handsome One “Beauford”– Beaufort . . French . . From the Beautiful Ford – Fortress
Beamer . . . . . . Old English . . . . Trumpeter Bellamy . . . . . Old French . . . . Handsome Friend Benedict. . . . . . Latin . . . . . . Blessed One
Benjamin . . . . . Hebrew . . . . Son of my Right Hand Benson, Benjie Ben Bennett . . . . . . French . . . . . Little Blessed One
“Bentley” . . . . Old English . . . . From the Bent Grass Meadow – Where Bird, Owls, Crickets & Toads Sing.
“Bentley Jr.” . . . Son of “Bentley” – This is the Son of “Bentley”
“Billy”. . . . English . . Nickname for William . . . Resolute Protector
******
******
“Bingley” . . . . English . . . From the Woodland Clearing
“Boris” . . . . . Slavic . . . . A Fighter
“Boyz” . . . Just a Name Fun to Say.
Brian . . . . . . Celtic . . . . . Strong, Powerful “Bruce”. . . . . French . . . . From the Brushwood Thicket
Another Photo Image of “Bruce”
Bruno . . . . . Teutonic . . . . . Brown
“Buddy” . . . . English . . . . . Friend
Caleb . . . . . Hebrew . . . . Bold, Impetuous Calvin . . . . . Latin . . . . . Bald One Cameron . . . Celtic . . . . . Bent Nose
“Caruso” . . . . is an Italian Surname . . Sicilian word for Boy
Ferdinand . . . . . . Gothic . . . . A Lover of Life Fergus . . . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Very Choice One Filbert . . . . . . . Old English . . . Very Brilliant One
Finley . . . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Little Fair Valorous One “Finnegan” – Finn . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Little Fair One
“Forrest” . . . . . . French . . . . From the Woods
Francis – Frank – “Frankie”. . . . French . . . Free Man
Fraser . . . . . . . . Old French . . . Curly-Haired One (for Black Swan) Frederick – “Fred” . . Old German . . Peaceful Ruler, Not Greedy or Aggressive.
Frost . . . . . The Shimmer of Ice Crystal that Condense from the Air.. Frost adds a Glimmer to everything it touches..
Gabriel . . . . . Hebrew . . . . . . Man of God Gale . . . . . . Old English . . . . Gay, Lively One Gallagher. . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . A Man from Another Land
Gaylord . . . . . Old French . . . . Lively One
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“George” is a Common Male Swan Name.
“Gentle George” . . . . This Big Mature Mute Cob was Rescued.
Glenn . . . . . . Old Welsh . . . . Dweller in a Glen or Valley Godfrey . . . . . Old German . . . . Divinely Peaceful
Grady . . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . Noble, Illustrious Graham . . . . . Old English . . . . From the Gray Land “Grant” . . . . . Middle English . . . Great One
Gregory . . . . . Latin . . . Watchman, Watchful One
Griffith. . . . . Old Welsh . . . . Fierce Chief “Guy” . . . . . Old German . . . . Warrior
Gwyn – Gwynn – Gwynne . . . Old Welsh . . . Fair One
Halo . . . . . . Ice Crystals in High Thin Cirrus Clouds – Prism Sunlight into a Halo Around the Sun..
Hamlet. . . . . Old Franco-German . . . Little Home
“Handsome”. . . . A Good-Looking Male, Charming and Possesses – an Attractive Aura to Attract Females.
“Hank”. . . . Old German . . . Ruler of an Estate, Private Place
Another “Hank” who Adores his Cygnets. “Hans” . . . . German/Scandinavian . . . God is Gracious
“Hansel” . . . . Hebrew . . . . Gift from God
******
Harding . . . . . Old English . . . Brave One’s Son Hardy . . . . . . Old German . . . Bold and Daring
“Harry” . . . . . Swedish . . . . Rules the Home
A Different “Prince Harry”
And Another “Harry”
Hartman . . . . Old English . . . . Warrior Hastings. . . . Old English . . . . Son of the Violent One Hector . . . . . Greek . . . . . Holds Fast, Steadfast
Henry . . . Old German . . . Ruler of an Estate – Ruler of the Home – “Hank”- Hal – Hendrick – Heinrich – Hendrik – “Hank” is BIG and Mature now !
Herbert – Herb – Herbie. . . Old German . . Glorious Warrior
Hercules (Heracles) was a Divine Hero in Greek Mythology. – The Son of Zeus and Alcmene. Half-Brother of Perseus. – A Paragon of Masculinity, Extraordinary Strength, – Courage, Ingenuity, Wits, Sexual Prowess with Females. “Hercules” was an Ancestor of Royal Clans. – A Champion of the Olympian Order against Monsters.
Herman. . . . Old German . . . Warrior Hilton. . . . . Old English . . . From the Hill Estate
Homer. . . . . Greek . . . . Pledge, Security “Horace” . . . . . Latin . . . . Keeper of the Hours, Light of the Sun
Howard . . . . Old English . . . . Chief Guardian Howe. . . . . Old German . . . High, Eminent One Howell. . . . . Old Welsh . . . . Little Alert One Hubert . . . . Old German . . . . Brilliant Spirit
Hugh. . . . . Old English . . . Intelligence, Spirit “Huey” – Hughie. . English – Germanic . . Heart, Mind, Inspiration
Humphrey . . . Old German . . . Peaceful Hun Hurley . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Sea-tide
Ian . . . . . . Scotch Gaelic . . . God is Gracious Inglebert . . . . Old German . . . Angel-Brilliant
Ira . . . . . . Hebrew . . . . Watchful One Irving . . . . . Old English . . . Sea Friend Isaac . . . . . Hebrew . . . . He Laughs
“Jacob” . . . . Hebrew . . . One Who Replaced Another.
Jake . . . . . Hebrew . . . He who Supplants
Jacob – ” Jakey” . . . Hebrew . . . One Who Replaced Another. “Jakey” is Not Alone Anymore. – Sweet “Sadie” is his Happiness.
” Jackson” . . . . Old English . . . Son of Jack
James . . . . . Spanish . . . The Supplanter Jarvis . . . . Old German . . . Spear-keen Jason . . . . . Greek . . . . Healer
” Jasper” . . . . Old French . . . Beautiful Gem of Various Colors Keeper of the Treasures – “Jasper” is a Mature Cob now.
Another “Jasper” ******
“Jebediah” . . . . . Hebrew . . . Beloved Friend
Jed – Jedidiah . . . . Hebrew . . . Beloved of the Lord In the Hebrew Bible, Jedidiah was the Second or “Blessing”
Jeffrey . . . . . . . Old French . . . Divinely Peaceful Jefferson . . . . . . Old English . . . Son of Jeffrey
” Jeremiah” – Jeremy . . . Hebrew . . . Appointed of Jehovah
This “Jeremiah” is BIG and Healthy…
This Young Cygnet named “Jeremiah” had a Heart Defect. Sadly, we Lost him..
Jerome. . . . Latin . . . . Sacred or Holy Name Jesse . . . . . Hebrew . . . Wealth Joel . . . . . Hebrew . . . The Lord is God
John . . . . Hebrew . . . God is Gracious Jonah . . . . Hebrew . . . Dove or Pigeon Jonas . . . . Hebrew . . . Dove ” Jonathan” . . Hebrew . . . Jehovah’s Gift
Jordan . . . . Hebrew . . . . Descender Joseph . . . . Hebrew . . . . He shall add
Joshua . . . . Hebrew . . . . God of Salvation Judd. . . . . Hebrew . . . . Praised Julian . . . . . Latin . . . . Belonging to Julius
Jules . . . . French . . . . form of the Latin Julius Julius . . . . Latin . . . . Downy-Youthful Justin . . . . Old French . . . Upright
Kane. . . . Irish, Gaelic . . Tribute Little, Warlike One Kelly. . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Warrior Kelvin. . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . From the Narrow River
Kendall. . . . Old English . . From the Clear-River Valley Kendrick. . . Old English . . . Royal Ruler Kenn . . . . Old Welsh . . . . Clear, Bright Water Kennedy . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Handsome One
“Kermit” . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Free Man
Kerry . . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . Son of the Dark One
“Kerwin” . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . Little Jet-Black One
King . . . . . . Old English . . . . Ruler Kingsley . . . . Old English . . . From the King’s Meadow Kingston. . . . Old English . . . Dweller at the King’s Estate Kinsey . . . . . Old English . . . Royal, Victorious One
Langford . . . . Old English . . . . Dweller at the Long Ford Langley . . . . . Old English . . . . From the Long Meadow Langston . . . . Old English . . . . . Tall
Lee, Leigh . . . . Old English . . . From the Pasture Meadow Leland . . . . . Old English . . . From the Meadow Land Lennon . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . Little Cloak
Leo . . . . . . Latin . . . . . . . Lion Leon . . . . . . French . . . . . . Lion-like “Leonard”. . . Old Frankish . . . . Lion-Brave “Leonardo” . . . Old German . . . . Lion-Hearted
Leopold . . . . . Old German . . . . Bold Leroy . . . . . . Old French . . . . King
“Lewis” . . . . . Old German . . . Fame and War
“Liberty” . . . . . Latin . . . . Free or Independent
“Louis” – “Louie” . . . . Old German . . . Famous Warrior
Lyle . . . . . . . Old French . . . From the Isle Emigrant Lyman. . . . . Middle English . . . Meadow-Man
“Lynn” – “Lynnie” . . . . . Old Welsh . . . From the Pool or Water Fall
“LYNN SWANN” is a Common Male Swan Name.
“Lynn Swann” Enjoying a Bubble Bath over the Diffuser. Cute.
Magee . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Son of the Fiery One Major . . . . . . Latin . . . . . . Greater Marcel . . . . . Latin . . . . . Little Warlike One
Markus . . . . Various . . . . . War-like One Marland. . . . Old English . . . From the Lake Land Marley . . . . Old English . . . From the Lake Meadow “Martin” . . . . Latin . . . . . . Warlike One
Marvin . . . . . Old English . . . . Sea Friend Mason . . . . . Old French . . . . Stone-Worker
Maurice . . . . . Latin . . . . . Dark-Complexioned One Maximilian – “Max” . . Latin . . . Greater in Excellence
Maynard . . . . . Old German . . . . Powerful, Brave
“Meadow”. . . . Old English . . . . From the Meadow
“Meadow” was 10 Years Old on July 15th, 2019 ( Yeah ! )
Melbourne . . . . Old English . . . From the Mill-Stream Merle. . . . . . . French . . . . . A Black Bird
Mervin . . . . . . Old English . . . Famous Friend Michael . . . . . . Hebrew . . . . Who is like God “Mickey” . . . . . Hebrew . . . . . Gift of God
Miles-Myles . . . . Latin . . . . Warrior “Miles” – Milo . . . German – Irish . . .“Soldier or Servant.” – English origin – “Merciful”.
“Mister” . . . . English . . . Honorific for Men under the Rank of Knighthood.
Nathan . . . . . Hebrew . . . . . A Gift Nathaniel. . . . Hebrew . . . . A Gift of God
Neal . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . Champion Nelson . . . . English . . . . . Champion’s Son Nemo . . . . . Greek . . . . From the Glen or Glade
“Nicholas” . . . . Greek . . . . Victorious
“Nico” . . . . English . . . . Victorious People
Noah . . . . . Hebrew . . . . Rest Comfort Noble . . . . . Latin . . . . . Well-Known Noel. . . . . French . . . . . Born at Christmas
Norman . . . . Old French . . . A Stranger Strong and Fair
Octavius. . . . Latin . . . . . Eighth Born “Olaf” . . . Old Norse/ Scandinavian . . . Ancestor’s Descendant
“Oliver”. . . . . Old Norse . . . Kind, Affectionate One
“Ollie” . . . . . Old French . . . . Peace
Omar . . . . . Arabic . . . . . Most High, First Son Oran . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Pale Complexioned One Orion . . . . . Old English . . . . Son of Light
“Otis” . . . . Old German . . . Rich, Wealth, Son of Otto
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“Otto” . . . . Old High German . . . Wealth, Prosperity, Fortune
Owen . . . . . . Old Welsh . . . Well Born – of Good Breeding
Park . . . . . . Old English . . . Dweller at the Enclosed Land or Park Parker . . . . . Middle English . . . Keeper of the Park
Parnell . . . . . Old French . . . . Little Peter Patrick . . . . . . . Latin . . . . . Noble One, Nobleman – Pat, Paddy, Patrice – Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland.
Patton . . . . . Old English . . . Honored for his Prowess in Battle
Percival. . . . Old French . . . Valley-Piercer (Trumpeter Swan) Perkin . . . . . Old English . . . A Son of the Fisherman Perry. . . . . . Middle English . . . From the Pear Tree
“POKO” . . . . . Rescued by Caring People . . A New Chance for Life.
“Poseidon” – his Roman name was Neptune. The Romans named the Planets they could see in the Sky after Roman Gods, and when Neptune was discovered in 1846, Astronomers kept that tradition. He was the God of the Sea, Earthquakes and Horses.
Porter . . . . . . French . . . . Gatekeeper
Presley . . . . . Old English . . . From the Priest’s Field
“Radar” . . . . German . . . . Wheelmaker or Wheelwright
Radcliff . . . . . Old English . . . . From the Red Cliffs Rafferty . . . . . Irish Gaelic . . . . Prosperous and Rich Raleigh . . . . . Old English . . . Dweller at the Roe-Deer Meadow
Ramsey. . . . . Old English . . . . Wild Garlic Randolph . . . . Old English . . . . Strong Defender
“Ranger” . . . . Old French . . . . Forest Keeper
Raphael. . . . . Hebrew . . . . Healed by God Rawlins-Roland . . . Old Anglo-French . . . Famous Land Ray . . . . . . . . Old French . . . . . Beam of Light Raymond. . . . . Old German . . . Mighty or Wise Protector
“Reece”. . . . . Old Welsh . . . Happy Male who Loves Life & People
Regan . . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . Little King Reginald . . . . .Old English . . . . Mighty and Powerful Remington . . . .Old English . . . . From the Raven Farm
Reuben . . . . . Hebrew . . . . . Behold a Son Rex . . . . . . . Latin . . . . . . The King, The Powerful Reynard . . . . . Old German . . . Mighty-Brave
Rich . . . . . . .Old English . . . Powerful, Wealthy One Richard . . . . .Old German . . . Powerful, Ruler Richman. . . . Old English . . . Powerful Male
Richmond . . . . Old German . . . Powerful Protector Riley. . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Valiant, Warlike One Robert – “Bob”. . .German . . . . Famed, Bright; Shining
“Romeo” . . . . Italian . . . . Pilgrim to Rome
Ronald . . . . Old Norse . . . . Mighty Power Roscoe. . . . Old Norse . . . . Deer Woods
Rover . . . . Middle English . . . Wanderer Roy . . . . . . French . . . . . King
“Royal” . . . . English . . . . Of the King The Young Male is a Royal Mute.. His Young Female is a Polish Mute Swan.
Santo . . . . Italian . . . . . Saintly Saville . . . North French . . . Willow Man
“Scooter” . . . Scottish . . . Spiritually Intense can Sting or Charm
Seabrook . . . Old English . . . A place where a small stream joined the Sea.
“Sebastian” . . . Latin . . . . . Revered
Seymour . . . . Old English . . . . Tailor Seymour . . . Teutonic . . . . Mighty at Sea
Shamus . . . . Irish . . . . . He Who Supplants Shane . . . . . Irish . . . . . God is Gracious Shannon . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Little Old Wise One
Shea . . . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Majestic Shelby . . . . . Old English . . . A Place Where Willows Grow Sheldon . . . . Old English . . . Steep Valley
Shelly . . . . . Old English . . . Dweller at the Ledge-Meadow Shelton. . . . Old English . . . From the Ledge Farm Shepherd . . . Old English . . . Shepherd Shepley, Shipley . . Old English . . . From the Sheep Meadow
Sheridan . . . . Old English . . . Wild Male or Satyr “Sherlock” . . . Old English . . . Fair or White Haired
Sherman . . . . Old English . . . . Wool Cutter Sherwood . . . Old English . . . . Bright Forest
“Sidney”. . . . . Old English . . . . Wide Island
“Siegfried” . . . Old German . . . . Victorious, Peaceful
Sigmund . . . . . Old German . . . Victorious Protector Silas, Silvanus . . . Latin . . . . . Forest Dweller Silvester, Sylvester. . . Latin . . . From the Forest
Simon . . . . . . . Hebrew . . . . Hearing, One who Hears Sinclair . . . . . . French . . . . . Hard Working
Skeet, Skeeter. . . Middle English . . . Swift One Skipp, Skippy. . . Middle English . . . Ship-Master
“Slim” . . . . . Slight, Slender
Smedley . . . . . Old English . . . From the Flat Meadow Smith. . . . . . Old English . . . Tradesman
Snowden. . . . Old English . . . From the Snowy Hills Solomon . . . . Hebrew . . . . . Peaceful Sparke . . . . Middle English . . . Gay, Gallant One
Spencer . . . . Middle English . . . Keeper of Provisions Squire . . . . Middle English . . . Knight’s Attendant Stacey . . . . . Middle Latin . . . Stable, Prosperous
“Stanley” . . . . Old English . . . Stony Field-Lives by Stony Grove
Starr . . . . . Middle English . . . . Star Stedman . . . . Old English . . . . Farmstead Owner
Stein . . . . . . German . . . . . Stone Stephen . . . . . Greek . . . . . Crowned One “Storm” . . . . . Old English . . . Turbulent
Strong . . . . . Old English . . . . Powerful One Sullivan . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . . Black-Eyed One Sully . . . . . Old English . . . From the South Meadow
“Sunny” . . . . . . A Ray of Sunshine
Sutton . . . . Old English . . . From the South Farm.
“Swanee” . . . . Stephen Foster’s “Old Folks at Home,” – . . . . . . A River in Georgia and Florida.
Swaney– “Swanie” . . . Irish . . . Pleasant
Swanny . . . . Old German . . . “Battle Swan” Swanny . . . . Is a Version of Swanhild (Old German).
“Swanson” . . . Old English . . Nickname for a Pure or Graceful Person.
A Different “Mr. Swanson”
Sweeney . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Little Hero
“Sylvester” . . . Latin . . . Of the Woods, Wild
“Mister T” . . Captive Breed in Ontario Canada Male Trumpeter Swan #698
“Terence” . . . . Latin . . . . Smooth Polished One
Terrell . . . . . Old English . . . . Thunder Ruler Thaddeus . . . . Latin . . . . Stout-Hearted Courageous
Thatcher . . . . Middle English . . . Roofer
Theodore – “Ted” . . . Greek . . . . Gift of God
Thomas . . . . . Greek . . . . . A Twin Thor . . . . . . Old Norse . . . . Thunder
Thorndyke. . . Old English . . . From the Thorny Dike Thorpe . . . . . Old English . . . From the Hamlet
“Timothy “. . . . Greek . . . . Living in God’s Honor.
“Titus” . . . . . Greek . . . Of the Giants – Title of Honor
Tobias . . . . . Hebrew . . . The Lord is Good
“Lone Ranger” . . . . From the TV Western
“Tonto” . . . . .American Indian Guide
Tracy . . . . Latin . . . . Bold, Courageous One Travis . . . . English . . . Crossing a River or Bridge
Trevor . . . . Irish, Gaelic . . . Prudent
“Tristan” . . . Old Welsh . . . Noisy One
“Troy” . . . . Old French . . . Curly Haired
Truesdale . . . Old English . . From the Beloved One’s Farm Truman . . . . Old English . . . Faithful One “Tucker” . . . Middle English . . . Garment Maker
Twain . . . . Middle English . . . Divided
Tyler . . . . Middle English . . . Tile Layer Tyrone . . . . Greek . . . . . Sovereign Tyson. . . . Old French . . . . Son
Vaughn . . . . Old Welsh . . . Small One Verne . . . . . Latin . . . . Springlike, Youthful Victor . . . . . Latin . . . . Conqueror
Vincent . . . . Latin . . . . Conquering One Virgil . . . . . Latin . . . . Flourishing
Vito . . . . . Latin . . . . . Alive “Vito Corleone” . . . . Life-Giver from the God Father Movie.
Wade . . . . . . . Old English . . . . Dweller at the River Crossing Wadsworth . . . . Old English . . . . From Wade’s Estate
Waldo . . . . . . Old German . . . . Ruler, Mighty Walter . . . . . . Old German . . . . Powerful Warrior Ward . . . . . . . Old English . . . . Watchman
Warwick . . . . . Old English . . . . Protecting Ruler Watkins . . . . . Old English . . . . . Son of Watt Watson . . . . . Old English . . . . . Son of Walter
Waverly . . . . . Old English . . . From the Quaking Aspen Tree Meadow Wayne . . . . . . Old English . . . . Wagon Maker
“Webster”. . . . Old English . . . . . Weaver
Wellington . . . Old English . . . From the Wealthy Estate.
Wendell . . . . Old German . . . Wanderer Wentworth . . . Old English . . . White One’s Estate. Wesley . . . . Old English . . . From the West Meadow.
“Whistler” . . . Old English . . . Whistler or Piper. – A Nickname for a Habitual Whistler . . Young Cygnets Whistle a lot..
Whitman . . . . Old English . . . White Haired Male.
Whitney . . . . Old English . . . White Island “Wilbur”. . . . Old German . . . Resolute-Brilliant One.
Wiley . . . . Old German . . . Water Meadow Wilford . . . Old English . . . Willow Ford Wilfred . . . Old German . . . Resolute-Peaceful One.
Will – “Wills” – “Willie” . . . Old English . . . Determined
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William – “Bill” – “Billy” . . Old German . . Resolute Protector
William – Bill – “Billy” . . Old German . . . Resolute Protector Willard . . . . . . . Old English . . . . Resolute and Brave.
“Willie” . . . . German . . . With Gilded Helmet.
Willoughby . . . Old English . . . From the Willow Farm. Wilmer . . . . . Old German . . . Resolute, Famous One. Wilson. . . . . Old English . . . Son of Will.
Winchell . . . . Old English . . . Child – Son Windsor . . . . Old English . . . Boundary, Bank.
Wingate. . . . Old English . . . Divine Protection. Winslow . . . . Old English . . . Stone Marker of Friendship. “Winston” . . . Old English . . . . Joy Stone
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“Winter”. . . Old English . . . Born in the Winter Time.
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Winthrop . . . Old English . . . Friend’s Village. Wyatt . . . . Old French . . . . Little Warrior.
Wynn . . . . Old Welsh . . . . Fair, White One. Wythe . . . . Middle English . . Dweller by a Willow Tree.
“Zeus”. . . . Greek . . . . . Living One.
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Zeus is the Greek God of the Sky, – Thunder, Lightning . . . . Law and Justice.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ************************************************************************** ALL For the Love of Swans SwanLover Linda UpDated June 2024 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
August 17th, 2014 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in BREAD is a "NO - NO" for Swans - (Comments Off on BREAD is a “NO – NO” for Swans)
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT FEED SWANs BREAD !!!!!!!!!!
TO FEED BREAD OR NOT TO FEED BREAD TO WATERFOWL.
NO ONE SHOULD FEED YOUR SWANs BUT YOU !!! YOU ARE THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST HARMFUL FOOD ITEMs Being Given to your Private Captive Swans.
If you are Caring for Your Own Swans.. as Captive Pets.. There Should be Little or No Need to Feed them Bread.
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
Please DO NOT Feed Bread to Waterfowl, including Geese and Ducks. Processed Foods are NOT Nutritious or Healthy for Wildlife and CAN Lead to Disease and Developmental Disabilities.
Angel Wing in Waterfowl is an Example. This Deformity may Result from Poor Diet when Duckling, Goslings and Cygnets are Growing their First Wing Feathers. It is a Permanent Disability–at the Wrist Joint of the Wing, Feathers Points Out Laterally rather than Resting Against the Body. These Birds Can Not Fly.
It’s a Common Problem among Waterfowl where People Feed Bread and other Human Processed Foods.
This Female Swan Died as she turned Four Years Old. Her Diet was VERY Suspect.
Neighbors in her Community brought their Old Bread during their Warm Weather Walks.
She was NOT Fed Any Proper Food by her Owners during these Months. They Boasted that they Did NOT Feed their Swans.. the Neighborhood Did !
She was Found Dead by the Spillway of her Pond. It was noted that her Neck was Strangely Twisted. (Suggesting “Limber Neck” Disease) No Necropsy was Preformed.
The Male – her Brother was found Dead Floating on their Pond when he was just Two Years Old.
We heard Reports that this Female would Stand in the Street to Stop Cars HOPING they would have Food for her. It was Very Sad..
The Photo Above is an Example.. A Different Swan.
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When we Observe the Public at Large Feeding any Birds Bread, my Concern is how Hungry the Different Birds Act. Are they Acting like they are STARVING? …Well they likely are !!! Many Kind People Mean Well, but do More Harm then Good. This is Often a Result of Birds being Fed so much BREAD!!! Instead of Providing Food Items that will Truly Feed the Birds’ Nutritional Needs.
What is Avian Bone Disease? – From the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/metabolic-bone-disease-or-rickets-in-birds
Metabolic Bone Disease in Birds Results in Painful Degenerative Changes in the Bones that Result from Nutritional Imbalance and Deficiencies. Imbalance of Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese and Vitamin D3 can Lead to Soft or Brittle Beaks, Claws and Keel, Bone Fractures and Enlarged Parathyroid Glands.
Little “Winnie” had a Malabsorption Syndrome. She did not Develop Normally. She was an Extreme Example of Proper Nutrient Deficiency. Most of her Bone Structures Twisted Abnormally. She had NO Preening Oil to WaterProof her Down/Feathers. “Winnie” was EATING Constantly, but she was Unable to Gain Weight.
Below are Several Swan Cygnets we Tried to Help… by Improving their Diet.
“Abigail” was a Challenge.. Once her Diet Intake Improved.. SO did She !
The Cygnet Below had a Broken Leg – He was Hit by a Chunk of Lettuce. After Weeks in a Splint, his Leg did not Heal.. The Distal Bones Died.. . . . and So did “Chester.”
Metabolic Bone Disease Leads to Weakness, Abnormal Postures including Torticollis, Appetite Loss, Lethargy, Pain, and if Untreated, Death. This Metabolic Bone Disturbance is Termed Rickets in Young Birds, and Metabolic Bone Disease in Older Birds. (Synonym: nutritional hyperparathyroidism/osteoporosis)
Generally, it is Difficult to Observed Weight Loss in Swans. They will become Less Active, probably Sleeping more, and will Not be able to Endure Much Stress.
( It is Normal for Swans to Nap during Day Hours.)
A Nutritionally Weak Swan may COLLAPSE and DIE if Stressed, even for a Short Time.
A Swan’s Body Temperature is Normally 101-106 degrees F. Mix Bread with Water and the Leftover Active Yeast will become Bread Dough in the Swan’s Gizzard. This Mixture is Indigestible for the Swan and may causes Painful Gas.
Repeated Feeding of Bread will Push the Good Bacteria Out of the Swan’s Colon and causes Chronic Diarrhea. A Large Population of Yeast in the Swan’s Colon may cause the Digestive Process to be Sluggish and Create Painful Gas..
Auto-Brewery Syndrome, is a Rare Medical Condition in which Intoxicating Quantities of Ethanol are produced through Endogenous Fermentation within the Digestive System. One Gastrointestinal Organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of Yeast, has been identified as a Pathogen for this Condition.
Once Feeding Bread is Stopped, it may take a Week or so for the Good Intestinal Bacteria to become Sufficient for the Diarrhea to Stop… Our Veterinarian Suggested we Feed Probiotics Yogurt to One of our Swans when there was Lots of Yeast in his Stool. But, I could not get our Swan to Eat it.. We moved him to a New Pond where the Public was Unable to Feed him Bread.
In Public Parks and Waterways where the Public is Allowed to Feed Swans Bread freely, the Swans Fed Large Amounts of Bread will be Eating and Starving to Death at the Same Time.
It is Common for a more then Average Number of those Swans to Die over the Winter. The General Public is Unaware that these Swans may just be Replaced the following Spring. This is One Reason many Place have Stopped having Swans – it becomes Too Expensive, as well as Time Consuming to keep Replacing them.
The Swans at Italian Lake, in Harrisburg are a Good Example. Years Ago there were Swans Gracing that Public Lake. All Day Long well meaning People were bringing Leftover Bread to Feed these Swans. When the Swans showed Signs of Illness, it was TOO Late to Help them.. Efforts to Save them Failed. The City did not Replace them.
In England, they are now Posting Signs – “DO NOT FEED SWANS BREAD.” They lose Thousands of Swans to Bread Starvation every Year.
The United Kingdom has Changed this Request during the Winter Months. They Realized many Swans were Starving during the Winter with No Public Providing some Supportive Feed and Bread. (2020).
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a Registered Charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654
IF BREAD HAS MOLD:ANY Mold on Old Bread may cause a Swan to Die within a Week… Bread Mold in the Slow Moving Digestive System of a Swan will Allow Time for the Dangerous Toxins Excreted by some Molds to Concentrate and POISON the Swan. This is Very, Very Difficult to Reverse this once it is inside the Swan’s Body.
Botulinum Toxin (BTX) can cause Botulism, a Serious and Life-Threatening Illness in Humans, Animals and Birds.
Old Bread Laying in Water during Hot Weather Months may cause Deadly Clostridia Botulism and other Pathogenic Bacteria to form.
From Dictionary.com: Veterinary Pathology – “Limber Neck” Disease. A Fatal Infection of Botulism affecting Birds, Characterized by Weakness of the Neck Muscles and Inability to Eat.
From Wikipedia: B. Botulinum Toxin is a Protein and Neurotoxin produced by the Bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the most Acutely Lethal Toxin known. A Lethal Dose may occur from Introduction by Ingestion, Intravenously, Intramuscularly or when Inhaled.
Avian Botulism (Type A) or Limber Neck is a Toxemic Disease found in Poultry and Waterfowl. The Early Visual Sign is a Weak, Hanging, Floppy Neck. Hence, the Common Name “Limber Neck” Disease. This has been noted when Birds are Repeatedly Fed Contaminated Human Food.
The Affected Birds Display Weakness, Poor Coordination, Prostration, Poor Appetite, Shallow Breathing, Progressing to Coma and Death. B. botulinus was Isolated from the Intestinal Tract of the Affected Birds.
All Cases of Botulism CAN NOT be Prevented because the Various Strains of the Bacteria that cause this Disease are in Soil, Dust, Compost Piles and Easily form in Stagnate Standing Water. * * We have Lost at Least 3 Pens to this within a Short Time of Nesting.
Stagnate Water can be Dangerous for Drinking because it provides a Better Incubator than Running Water for many kinds of Bacteria and Parasites.
Stagnate Water is often Contaminated with Human and Animal Feces. Having a Working Aerator Circulating the Water in your Pond will Reduce this Risk.
There is a Vaccine for C. Botulism Available and used by some Swan Owners in the more Southern States. If you are interested in this Vaccine, inquire to the “Regal Swan Project.” http://www.theregalswan.com
You will Need to have it Sent to your Veterinarian to be Administered. Or ask your Avian Veterinarian about this Vaccine.
Another Problem with Bread in general: Bread has Salt at Levels TOO High for a Swans System. Salty Foods will Tax and Over Work a Swan’s Kidneys. It may cause them Excessive Thirst and to Retain Fluids. Over Time this may Lead to Cardiac Overload, Congestive Heart Failure… and Death.
TREATS should be TREATS Not the Main Part of a Healthy Diet.
SAFER TREATS for SWANs
Cereals Low in Sugar & Salt with NO DYES or YEAST
Plain Cheerios, Corn & Bran Flakes, Kix, Chex, etc.
For Captive Swan OWNERs ONLY.. During the Cold Winter Months…
In addition to a Daily Diet of Healthy Feed Mixture…
A “LITTLE” Fresh Course WHOLE GRAIN BREAD may be OK ! ! The Oil in Whole Grain Breads may be Beneficial during Cold Weather. The Extra Quick Energy Calories may Help the Swans Stay Warm. Freeze the Loaf of Bread to Prevent Any Mold. One Slice per Day per Swan. My Rule – From Fall’s First Heavy Frost to Spring’s Last Frost… NO BREAD during Warm Weather Months.
Another Time a Little Fresh Bread may be Helpful.. Giving your Swan a Pill. Pinch/Squeeze a Small Piece of Bread Around a Pill.. Be Sure the Swan Eats it.
This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDated June 2021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
