Ell Pond's Inhabitants Back Again

By Debbi Collar

It appears there is a good possibility that a new clutch of cygnets will be hatching later in the Spring.

Additionally, already seen around Ell Pond have been various visitors from the human species who stand upright on two feet, to a variety of the aviary species. A second site for the swans appears to be the more popular for this year's location as the sun was pushing the temperatures up to a warm 71 degrees recently.

New residents to the City of Melrose can stop by the pond, and learn the background of the most watched and photographed pair for many years. It's also a good chance to meet the locals. Watching the behaviors of the swans and pond life surrounding the area has become an annual Springtime event for many Melrose citizens..

Some close relatives also stopped by the swans' nesting site to check out the new neighbors.

Although the swans, geese and ducks are within the same scientific family, Anatidae, /Order Anserinae, within the genus, Cygnus, they do not get along well once the eggs are laid and new parents begin to incubate and protect their brood from predators of all types. At other times, they appear to occasionally, tolerate each other.

Ducks also search out their own nesting sites and were seen visiting the neighborhood "Mel" & "Rose" have checked on this year. They, too, along with the geese, turtles and other pond inhabitants will begin their own new families soon. Occasionally the ducks prefer to sit on the swan's nest. Something that is not agreeable to "Mel" and "Rose".

However, predators have also been seen in and around Ell Pond.

Box and Painted turtles are mainly vegetarians and will leave the clutch alone. However, it is the snapping turtle s that lurk within the same waters that are more dangerous, not only to the little newcomers to the pond but to dogs and people as well.

People often are on two sides of the coin. They don't intend to do harm but unwittingly, what appears to be harmless feeding of any swan, goose or duck, or for that matter any wildlife, can actually bring on predators who may destroy the eggs or prey on the newborns. Also be aware that the swans are protecting their young. Their wings are strong. Keep small children and animals away. As to yourselves, also observe them from a safe distance . They will not bother you unless they feel they are being threatened.

As Spring arrives, more and more people and pets enjoy walks around Ell Pond, some for fishing, some for photography, some for exercise.Birdwatchers observing migrating feathered friends or incoming inhabitants to the pond are also seen with their binoculars. It can be an area where all can get along well. Please follow the rules posted at various locations around Ell Pond by Animal Control Officer Coral Hope and the Department of Environmental Protection regarding swimming, fishing, or feeding wildlife. The signs are displayed for your safety and the safety of all residing in and around the area.. Remember that Ell Pond's wildlife must teach its young about the wild , how to protect themselves from predators and how to forage for their own food.

"The above article is entirely unscientific photographic journaling through observations with the lens of a camera and conversations at the site.***