swans

[bednobs]

hi, i live by the river and a pair of swans hav had a cygnet a bit of time ago. Do swans usually stay togeter after the birth of a little one? I only ask because i havent seen the dad for weeks and i wnder if this is normal behaviour or if something horrible may have happened to him??

[garner]

Hi bednobs, they mate for life so I'm afraid I fear the worse.Sorry it's not good news.g.

[Eve]

Awww, I was going to say the same thing.

They are usually devoted to each other but if one dies then it is possible for the other one to find another mate.

If you do come across and injured father anywhere, be very careful as they can be very aggressive if they feel threatened, especially around their young.

The RSPCA, SSPCA, USPCA or a reputable swan rescue agency may well be able to help in that scenario though.

Some ideas about threats to swans here...

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name /m/muteswan/threats.asp