Due to the nature of swans and the size of our Duck Pond, we had to relocate the baby swans.  Now after two years they are fully grown, can fly, and were ready to leave the nest. This is true of  all animals in the kingdom, Humans are the only exceptions.  {Some never leave home unless food is withheld (kidding :)}

Cygnetsnewhome

Snowy Swan

Snowy Swan (Photo credit: verseguru)

The baby swans aren’t cygnets anymore.  After testing their wings by flying out of the Duck Pond several times, we realized for their safety, it was definitely time for us, Park Maintenance, to step in and help them find a new home where they would continue to be safe from predators.  A nice lake was found for them just 30 miles away in Deerfield, Va.  Their 1.5 acre new home, which is bigger than the Duck Pond, is a similar atmosphere with a steady flow of fresh water.  There are other waterfowl, a nesting area, and most importantly, a caring family like the citizens of Staunton who will look after them and feed them daily.

We are still graced with the original swans (the parents) that we purchased several years ago for Gypsy Hill Park’s Duck Pond.  They seem unfazed by the natural flying of the coop of their offspring.  They were ready.

This Staunton “Parks and Recreation Blog” was written by Steve Devenny, Superintendent of Parks and posted by Jennifer Jones, Superintendent of Recreation.

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