31/08/2025
Life as a swan follows the turning of the seasons. Each part of the year brings very different challenges, both for the birds and for those of us who are called out to help them. From new beginnings in spring to the harsh struggles of winter, swans are constantly adapting to survive.
Spring – nesting season, also known as “fluffy season”
As the weather warms, swans begin to pair up and build nests. The males, known as cobs, become extremely territorial at this time. Fights between rivals can be vicious, with injuries often serious enough to need rescue.
Spring is also when we see the first new arrivals of the year. Once the eggs hatch, “fluffy season” begins. Tiny cygnets appear on the lakes, much to the delight of the public. It looks idyllic, but it is a fragile time. Cygnets are at risk from predators such as gulls, mink, herons, and corvids. Flooding can destroy nests, and disturbance from people or dogs can cause parents to abandon them. Even well-meaning feeding close to nests can bring too much human attention, which creates stress for the parents.
We are often called to rescue newly hatched cygnets that have been separated from their families or have become tangled in debris. The early weeks are when survival rates are lowest.
Summer – cygnet growth and hot weather challenges
By summer the cygnets are larger, but they are still dependent on their parents. Families spread across wider territories to find food, and this is when swans clash. Territory disputes between adults can be ferocious, and it is common for us to be called to treat injuries caused by these fights.
Young birds at this stage are adventurous and curious. They often wander away from the water and can be found stranded on roads, trapped in drains, or stuck in gardens and industrial areas. Rescues to return them to safety are a regular part of our summer work.
The hot weather brings its own dangers. Warmer water can trigger algal blooms and outbreaks of botulism, both of which can kill swans and other waterfowl in large numbers. Shallow lakes can become stagnant, and fish deaths often follow. These conditions quickly spread illness among birds.
Summer is also the busiest time of year for angling. While most anglers are responsible, a minority leave discarded line and hooks that cause devastating injuries. Swans with fishing tackle wounds are sadly a constant feature of our summer call-outs.
Autumn – learning to fly and leaving home
As summer turns to autumn, the cygnets are almost full size. This is the stage when they attempt their first flights. Not every launch or landing goes well. It is very common for inexperienced birds to crash into roads, fences, roofs, or even buildings. A surprising number are found in car parks or housing estates after mistaking wet tarmac for water.
At the same time, the parents begin to drive their young away to make space for the next breeding season. The once close family bond breaks down, and cygnets are forced to leave. These “teenage” swans are vulnerable, unsure of where to go, and often turn up in unsafe places. We receive many calls at this time of year for lost or stranded juveniles.
Autumn is therefore one of the riskiest times for swans. They face the double challenge of mastering flight and finding safe new territories while avoiding the dangers of roads, power lines, and urban landscapes.
Winter – the fight to survive the cold
Winter is a test of endurance. Lakes and rivers often freeze, trapping swans on the ice. Some birds collide with frozen surfaces when attempting to land, leaving them concussed or injured.
Food becomes scarce, and swans need to conserve their energy. Many gather together in larger flocks, which helps them survive but also creates risks. Diseases spread more quickly in close quarters, and competition for limited food supplies can be intense.
Heavy snow and prolonged ice can leave entire groups struggling. We often receive calls about swans stranded on frozen lakes, unable to feed or at risk from foxes and dogs. In extreme conditions, swans will walk off frozen lakes in search of food, which leads to them being found wandering roads and streets.
Year-round risks
Although the challenges shift with the seasons, some threats remain constant throughout the year.
Fishing tackle is one of the biggest dangers, with line and hooks causing deep wounds, blockages, and even death if not treated quickly. Dog attacks are another regular problem, as are pollution incidents where swans ingest or become coated in substances that harm them.
Road rescues are a part of every season, from birds crash-landing to swans wandering onto carriageways in search of new territory. Territorial fights between adults also happen year-round, sometimes with fatal consequences.
For us at MK Swan Rescue, there is no quiet season. Each stage of the year brings its own set of emergencies, and every call-out is different.
