January
It’s been a long time coming, but summer has more or less arrived. The animals and birds have had a long-long breeding season. We are still seeing ducklings, nestling and fledgling birds. Some species have nested and hatched many times over, so it’s not surprising that this depot has raised over two hundred ducklings this season. That may be a record.
The higher than usual water table over a long period of time has enabled babies to grow to flying stage before the habitat dries out as it usually does.
Watch for Black Swans and their Cygnets
Those beautiful majestic birds breed in our precious wetlands. We don’t have much data as to where they fly off to in summer, however we do know, they come back on a full moon night with the first winter rains. If you listen you may hear them making contact cries as they fly overhead.
Mature birds mate for life and possibly nest at the same site each year. They hatch four to six cygnets. These take about five months to reach flying stage.
As nesting sites become increasingly scarce and water tables fluctuate causing flooding or exposure of nests to predators it’s a very hazardous business. There may be multiple use of nests late into the season. These late babies have little chance of flying before their habitat dries up. Then they walk off the wetlands in search of a better environment. They may look full grown, but because of depleted food supply may be too weak to fly. Many are just too immature.
They usually walk towards the sea, no doubt hoping to find a river which will lead them to wetlands. So they paddle through the ocean and end up in the drains or canals – where there is no way out of such steep sides. Or they are blown away out to sea. These are not good places for swans.
So if you find them, walking along your street, cooling themselves under your sprinklers, or wandering along a beach track or on a beach or in the sea, they desperately need your help.
If on the street or your yard lead them into a safe, secure place. Once sighted, don’t take your eyes off them as they disappear into the landscape very quickly. Most people won’t mind you herding them into their yard and it won’t be for long. Call FAWNA or CALM and someone will try to come to your aid.
If you want to catch a cygnet yourself, you will need to throw a reasonably heavy towel or such over the body, pinning the wings firmly to the body and wrapping it around the animal. If possible control the neck with a gentle grasp at the base of the head – it won’t peck hard, but keep your face out of its way just in case. It has a sharp claw on its foot, so grasp its knees together as you lift it onto your hip under your arm. The head should be facing to the rear of your body. There you have it! Easy once you have done it.
If on the beach, keep dogs away. They will scare swans into the water where it’s very difficult to get them back on land. You may wish to ask for help from other people – the more the better. Herd the birds up into the dunes where they are easily caught with or even without a towel.
To transport you need an enclosed area – boot, cab or ute. Don’t put them on the seats, they may flap round and distract your driving. Besides, they may be messy.
Out at sea in your boat, you can sprint after them and have someone lean over and catch them by the base of the neck. Quickly put the other arm round the body and lift the bird into the boat. Many fishermen bring in swans off the sea. We are grateful for this, because they would surely die out there.
We keep swans in care until they are feeding well on supplementary food and are strong and healthy. They are then released onto big dams or lakes where the owners are willing and happy to continue feeding until they fly off. This may take months. However, the joy of seeing these magnificent birds grace the waters is well worth the effort.
Mabel Bell