Double trouble as our black swans welcome two cygnets
Our black swan pair are nestling into life as new parents as they have successfully hatched their first cygnets together, and the first black swan babies for over 6 years here at Washington Wetland Centre!
The two fluffy youngsters hatched on Thursday 24 March after an incubation period of around 35-40 days. Both parents have been the perfect mix of attentive and protective, taking turns to sit on the nest while the other feeds or cleans. Lots of visitors have enjoyed watching them 'spring clean', clearning unwanted twigs, leaves and branches away from their nesting spot. They've also done a great job of warning away our keepers to defend their territory - perfect parent-to-be behaviour!
The black swan pair were only introduced in May last year so have clearly bonded very quickly and incredibly well. The female is 12 years old with lots of past experience, while the male is a youthful 3 years old and a first-time father.
The family were moved from their usual home in Close Encounters into temporary off-show accommodation, where they are being given some time to bond and adjust to life as a family of four. This also protects them during their most vulnerable stage and allows the team to closely monitor their behaviour and growth. This can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
We're cautiously optimistic that these youngsters will grow well and be able to go back out into Close Encounters for visitors to enjoy soon, but in the meantime please keep an eye out on Facebook and Instagram for their progress, and enjoy a cute photo just because...
Some more fun facts about black swans:
- Most birds use light levels and temperature to dictate when to start breeding, but in the wild, black swans aim for 'rainy' season, which means they tend to lay and hatch during the colder months with some even laying eggs one snowy December a few years ago!
- Cygnets enjoy catching a ride on mum and dad's backs while gliding (or storming) across the ponds - so watch out for this in the future!
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