Swans – The Trumpeters | George Langman Sanctuary

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This year (2009) the trumpeter pair at the sanctuary have 4 babies (cygnets). The previous year there were six (2008). Since we aren’t able to see the nest from shore, it’s difficult to tell how many eggs there were, or how many live hatchlings. The parents are watchful when out with the babies, and when on shore, you can get quite close to them.

For the last couple of years we’ve been able to get within 8 or 10 inches of the little swans – the parents are cautious though, and any untoward movements cause them to quickly get between you and their young. I think they’ve grown rather used to people, and they don’t seem to mind when I slip in close to get a few pictures, but I wouldn’t try to touch those babies. On June 20th, there was an article on the front page of the Orillia Packet by Colin McKim that shows just how protective these parents are.

At one visit (a year or two ago) my grandchildren were feeding the swans with picked greens and my oldest grand-daughter was able to feed the adult out of her hand. We just missed that on our small video clip, but it was something to see. She’d spent most of the time at the sanctuary coaxing the swan closer, and when the two of them (girl and swan) were face to face…they really were face to face. The swan was about as tall as the girl.

One thing to note though – please don’t let your children do this unattended. When dealing with wildlife, you must remember that although these birds may seem fairly tame and used to people, they are wild birds, not domesticated, and their behaviour is not always predictable.

Teach your children to be respectful of the animals and birds and teach them not to move quickly around them. You should not try to touch them, or the babies, not even to pet, and never chase them, or throw stones (or other things) at them. Being able to get close to them takes time and patience.

For more information about trumpeters, visit the links listed below the clip.