our local swans

siride May 21, 2022

9th May

A few weeks ago I started cycling along the canal instead of taking the short cut through the woods. The reasons behind this routine change are 'my' swans, a young pair who have taken up residence between lock 26 and lock 25. I grew quite fond of them and I think they recognise me, too (wishful thinking maybe). I first noticed their nest on the 9th of May, it was at that point quite well hidden and still small. On this day, Mrs Swan had already laid two eggs. It was saddened to find the nest abandoned and empty the next morning, the swans nowhere to be seen. Life on the canal is harsh, predators aplenty. Urban foxes by the dozens. On my way home both swans were back, adding more reeds and soft stuff to their nest. I thought they'd maybe start all over. Then, to my surprise, the next day the eggs were there again, plus one more. They must have buried the eggs in the nest when taking a trip to explore their territory.

10th May

11th May

There were four eggs when Mrs Swan started incubating the eggs, around the 14th of May. They swans stayed close to the nest at all times, keeping them warm.

16th May

Alas, life on the canal ain't a picnic. A few days later, I cycled past the nest and found it to be empty. No eggs, no swans, just some feathers. The nest was a mess, too. I am blaming an urban fox because access for people and dogs on the nest side of the canal is almost impossible. Foxes are agile, I have seen our back garden pest jump high fences and although the nest is not very accessible at all, I can imagine a fox would find it no challenge at all. A short distance away, I spotted the the swans. I was relieved to see them both but unfortunately, Mrs Swan was injured by the fox. She was bleeding. I must have missed the attack by minutes because the blood was still bright red, not oxidised.

19th May

It didn't look too bad though but of course I am not a vet. I was much more upset than I thought possible. I have seen many nature documentaries, death is never far and I must have witnessed (through the safety of the telly) countless lion hunts, killer whale stalkings and crocodile attacks. Seeing tragedy with my own eyes, just a few metres away was a painful experience. I have bonded with my swans and felt responsible for their wellbeing.

I called the SSPCA animal helpline to report the injured swan. I didn't think anything would happen but I was pleased to get a phone call later to say that someone had gone to see the swan but that they had been unable to access her because she was in the middle of the canal. They reassured me that someone would keep an eye on Mrs Swan. So did I.

20th May

I noticed that the moorhen family from next door started using the abandoned nest. When I couldn't see either of the swans, I feared the worst but this was premature. I saw Mrs Swan on the 20th of May. I assumed her bloke was exploring, maybe to find a new nesting place.

20th May

Mrs Swan is lopsided but seems otherwise ok. I saw her feed and she swims up and down the canal as she has always don. I noticed that she is only using her left leg, her right one must be broken, or at the very least sore. I haven't seen them rebuild the nest, or build a new one. I guess with a broken leg Mrs Swan would not be able to climb up into the nest.

1st June

I have been keeping an eye on the swans ever since. I am fairly certain that Mrs Swan is now a lone swan. I am not sure where her man disappeared to, he may have fallen prey to a predator, or he may have abandoned his Mrs. She seems to keep well but continues not to use her right leg. Sometimes it drags in the water, other times she tucks it up on her side. I hope in time she will be able to have some proper use of it, otherwise she'll be confined to her current habitat, between lock 25 and lock 26 on the Forth and Clyde canal. Life on the canal ain't easy. This particular part of town is overpopulated with urban foxes and it is a surprise that water fowl continue to breed here. The swans between lock 27 and lock 28 successfully bred and had two cygnets but unfortunately, these cygnets have now also fallen prey to the foxes. Life, eh?

Have a lovely week. Mine is shaping up ok, the weather is still glorious although there was about five pathetic minutes of rain yesterday evening. I am hoping for a down pour because I just won't have time today to water the garden. xx