Thursday, March 25, 2010

RESIDENT SWAN ~ WINTER HAVEN

When we came to Winter Haven Park two beauties were in the Resaca. Resident swans, majestically swimming the day away; being fed by a human resident. 
One day, as the swans were getting their meal, I inquired where they came from and what they eat. The park bought them from the Gladys Porter Zoo, here in Brownsville.  The food also comes from the zoo, a special combination made just for swans. The lady that takes care of them was told, by the zoo, that they were the same gender. WELL...


The other day I noticed one of the swans nesting, near the clubhouse.  She went in search of food and there were three eggs in the nest. I took these pictures of her replenishing her nest with dead weeds and grass.  She goes out in the evenings, looking for fresh food, my quest will be to get a better picture of her eggs when she's away.  She nipped at her feeder when I was there yesterday. 
Very protective, I'm staying far away from her!

This morning, on my way to the pool, I noticed the swan was gone and so was the hose that wound around her nest.  Being very watchful I took a new picture of the eggs.  She returned shortly and started gathering grass and dried weeds around herself. 
 The eggs are about the size of a cereal bowl.  Reminds me of the sugar eggs my mother made from molds years ago. They were hollow with miniature Easter scenes inside.                Oh...memories...