Black swans on Lake Macquarie

BySandra Cain

Black swans on Lake Macquarie

Here for the last few weeks, we have been lucky to have a bank of beautiful black swans visiting us every morning.

Notes: Black swans are monogamous birds, often forming lifelong pair bonds. During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the cooler months, they engage in elaborate courtship displays that involve synchronized swimming and mutual preening. Nest construction is a joint effort, usually placed near the water’s edge and made from reeds, grass, and other vegetation. Once the eggs are laid, both parents take turns incubating them until they hatch.

After hatching, the cygnets are covered in gray down and are remarkably adorable. They remain under their parents’ care and protection for several months until they fledge and are capable of independent living. Observing a Black Swan family with cygnets is a heartwarming experience that reminds us of the importance of preserving their habitats.