Swans on Ffrith Lake

We're hoping to see cygnets coming soon!

Friends of the Ffrith are absolutely delighted to see a pair of Mute Swans, a Cob (male) and a Pen (female), on the Ffrith lake within last few days. This photo is courtesy of Lewis Knight one of our volunteers who helps to look after the Ffrith Community Park. It has been a few years since we witnessed Swans on the lake so let’s hope they decide to stay and breed!

The mute swan is one of the most familiar birds in the UK, its long, curved neck and graceful glide a regular sight on our waterways and waterbodies. Mute swans feed on plants, particularly waterweed. They usually mate for life, but some will have numerous partners. The only common swan in most places, the mute swan is easily recognised by its all-white body and its reddish-orange bill that has a large black 'knob' at the base.

Mute Swans can be found throughout town and countryside, on canals, ponds, lakes and rivers across the UK and we're so happy that this pair have come back to The Ffrith Lake. Did you know that both males and females are involved in parenting; the cob will guard the nest while the pen leaves to feed, but will not incubate the eggs. Both parents are devoted to the cygnets, which, with their downy, brown fluff and short necks, do indeed look like the 'ugly duckling' of the rhyme! However, they soon grow into their beautiful white adult plumage.

What to feed swans

If you're coming down to the lake to feed the swans then they love eating things like sweetcorn, potatoes, lettuce, oats and seeds. Food should be thrown into the water as swans can be very territorial, especially if there is a nest or young nearby. Please be aware, contrary to popular belief, bread is not so good for birds like swans and ducks, as it can cause dietary problems. It might be tasty - but it's not nutritional at all!