If you have lived in the city of Melrose, Massachusetts for 5 or more years, the names "Mel" and "Rose" have become familiar to you. The swans of Ell Pond have hatched at least 5 different families over the past 5 years. Possibly more than that.
Many in the Melrose community have learned much about the behaviors of the adults and the cygnets. An artist's rendering is on display on Main Sreet and features "Mel" and "Rose,". Main Street's waters of Ell Pond was once the chosen location by these birds to build their nest and raise their family.
Often, residents and their guests are observed checking on the swans as well as the babies. (cygnets). Eggs are usually laid in March or April and the brood hatches in Spring. This year's brood arrived in mid May.
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The firstborn cygnet waiting for the rest of the family to arrive.
Find out what's happening in Melrosefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A much needed rest following hatching out of its egg.
This cygnet takes in its new view of the world.
It discovers an older sibling.
Family photo
"Rose," proudly shows off her new brood.
Three Cygnet Siblings.
In use one month's time, the cygnets have learned to swim and to feed on what they consider the delicious vegetation of ell Pond.
Cygnets have a lot to learn.
Tasty treat at Ell Pond and this little cygnet learned to dive for it all by itself.
Wander over to Ell Pond and watch how the siblings how fast the cygnets grow in their first few months. In later months, watch as their parents teach them how to fly.
Editor's note - sadly, only two of the four cygnets born to "Mel" and "Rose" this year are surviving (as of June 7th).
