Lovebirds Mel, Rose Are Model Parents

The following blog entry and photos have been shared by Patch reader Debbi Collar. Read her blog here. And remember to subscribe to Melrose Patch for more free local goodness.

Many Melrose residents have taken “Mel,” “Rose,” and their cygnets under their wing (pardon the pun) for the past several years. Excitement grows in spring as the couple builds a nest signaling the arrival of a new clutch.

Blog readers following these posts know my fascination with watching the behaviors of this couple and their cygnets began four years ago. I am not alone. The enjoyment I have had over the years is not only in watching these birds but in meeting the people of Melrose and nearby communities who share the same interest. In the swan couple’s earlier years, people lined up along the fence on Main Street as Mel and Rose had built their nest close to the sidewalk. Cameras are constantly poised as observers wait patiently to see the swans change places as they take turns sitting on the nest incubating the eggs. One constant question asked is,” How many eggs?” Throughout this journey, long lasting friendships were made, tears were shed when cygnets became victims of predators and we shared many a laugh as we watched Mel and Rose’s little ones swim for the first time.

Some cygnets needed a bit more convincing that those little webbed feet, at the age of one or two days old, could carry them all around Ell Pond. Others had a stubborn streak and tried climbing back up to the safety of the nest once again.

Soon, the cygnets were on their way. An occasional treat was for one or all of the clutch to ride on the soft feathers of one of their parents.

Family gatherings were often commonplace. Cygnets would take turns leading their siblings as they swam around the pond.

Eventually the more difficult task of flying lessons would begin along with demonstrations of safe landings.

Cygnets practiced strengthening their wings in preparation for takeoff just a few short months following their birth.

More flapping practice, several new solo flights and Mel and Rose will chase their children toward leading independent lives before they are one year olds. . They have been together since May 15th of this year and as the calendar pages turn to show the change of seasons and the cygnets approaching the four month old mark, it’s time for them start thinking about leaving the nest.

Soon the cygnets will be leaving to find new homes of their own. Some may migrate toward warmer waters, others will find bays or inlets wait out the winter months. Meanwhile, Mel and Rose will be considering starting yet another new family. In the spring, old friends, photographers, journalists and bloggers will gather to see what will be in store for the swans and their new family in 2018.