Cygnets Arrive At Ell Pond

It's been a long winter, especially if you have spent much of that season sitting in below freezing temperatures on a nest in the waters of Ell Pond in Melrose, Massachusetts. A pair of mute swans the locals know best as "Mel" & "Rose" did just that this past winter and have once again become the proud parents of a new clutch of cygnets.

Proud new parents "Mel" & "Rose" on their nest watching over the eggs and waiting for them to hatch.

Residents who have not closely followed the life and behavior of these mute swans over the years. may enjoy this year's pictorial essay.

Could the couple be discussing the best waterfront real estate for their nest and the value of raising their family in this location?

The above photo was one of the first potential nesting sites considered. It was located just below Main Street. Eventually they chose a smaller, less people populated area and began pulling up reeds from the pond to build their nest.

Construction begins on a new nest. Soon a new family will arrive.

As swans are territorial protecting their charges, visitors to the area of the nesting site were chased away.

Geese were the birds most often warned to stay away from the nesting spot.

This swan is serious about taking over Ell Pond, Melrose, as it prepares for its new family.

Several wildlife visitors, bufflehead ducks, mallards, a blue heron, painted turtles and a huge snapping turtle were also considering this pond as the best spot to raise their own new families. Some still holding their ground deciding they would continue to reside in the same area of the swan's nest. Some not for the best of reasons as they are predators to the young cygnets.

Eventually the swan eggs were laid and the incubation process began with "Mel"& "Rose" sitting on the nest. The pair kept the eggs warm, turned the eggs and kept them safe. Both swans share in the responsibilities of of caring for their young.

Swan eggs safely tucked into the reeds on the feathered nest.

Finally, hatching begins and there is a new family of cygnets on the pond.

Newly hatched cygnet staying close to one of its parents, May 15, 018

Older cygnet siblings patiently waiting for their brothers and sisters tp hatch out of their eggs.

They even appear to have had time for a chat, getting to know each other, while waiting for their brother and sister cygnets.

Not only was it a long winter for the cygnets' parents, but it was a long day for the newborns and time to rest once again.

Newborn cygnet relaxes in its new world.

Tomorrow is another day and a day of new discoveries for all of them.