The Orleans Rotary is Not Swan Habitat!

Tis the time of year when swans are nesting and becoming territorial. About 20 swans have spent the winter together peacefully on Town Cove in Orleans. Swans are now dispersing, and establishing their own territories. Some are being attacked by other swans, and can be found wandering into strange places.. like the Orleans rotary.

We received numerous calls on April 21 & 22 about swans in the roadways near Wild Care. Jennifer Taylor, our Animal Care Coordinator, and two MA State Troopers, rescued a swan on April 21st who was being aggressively attacked by other swans, and unable to escape without walking directly onto the highway. Luckily the swan did not have any serious injuries, and recovered quickly after spending a couple of days under care and observation at Wild Care.

Thank you to the Orleans Police and the MA State Police, and to all the drivers who called and let us know about the swans. And thank you to all of those who slowed down and stopped to give the birds time to safely cross! The swan in our care was released in an undisclosed location nearby. Hopefully the swans will sort things out soon!

By Kate Diggs, Wildlife Rehabilitator. (Video compilation by Kerry Reid.)