Tear Drop Lake's Female Swan!
The Pen (female swan) arrived at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2009. She is a fine healthy bird who made friends immediately with the Cob (male swan) already on the pond. The following pictures from Joe Greipp, Director of Grounds, tell the first day's story.
Arrival First Dip
New Friend Contentment
Photos by Joe Greipp, Director of Grounds
Early Bird on Heron Pond
Swans play a special role at Meadow Lakes. There are three pairs, one on each of the major ponds. Two pairs are white, mute swans, and the black pair are Australian swans. All but one were raised in captivity and purchased by the Meadow Lakes Forum for the pleasure of residents.
One swan was born and bred on Heron Pond. When one of the pair on Tear Drop Lake had to be replaced, Meadow Lakes grounds crew moved a young pen from Heron Pond to Tear Drop and he lives there now.
All of the swans are pinioned and spend their days patrolling the ponds, keeping predators and unwanted visitors away. We are grateful that they are effective and we admire them from a distance, recognizing that swans are wild animals
retaining the instincts of the wild even as they may appear to be friendly. Residents and their guests are alway cautioned to Stay Back!
The new bird is taking a first drink and shaking out his wings as the pen approaches.
Getting acquainted is a slow process. (Note the still gray beak and feathers of the young cob.)
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