Mute Swan Nesting on Don Debris

Lakeshore Blvd. East bridge at mouth of Don

I was passing by the mouth of the Don recently and noticed something odd underneath the Lakeshore Blvd. East bridge. Next to one of the bridge abutments is a pile of sticks and debris that often collects beside the river. This stuff is eventually washed away during a heavy storm. However, this pile of sticks seems to have attracted the attention of a pair of Mute Swans and they have taken it over as their spring nesting site.


Nesting site

The Mute Swan is an introduced species in North America native to Europe and parts of Asia. There is some evidence to suggest that the species is becoming invasive in the Great Lakes region and control measures may need to be implemented. There is at least one group that claims the species is native to North America and needs to be protected but the U.S government disputes this assertion. So far these birds are not a big problem in the Don. Native species such as the Trumpeter Swan are also rare but this is due to lack of habitat.

For this pair of birds things appear to be OK for now but it could be bad news if there is heavy downpour in the next few weeks. If you're rooting for these swans, then cross your fingers and hope for the rest of May to be dry.


Mother appears to be doing fine. Swan lovers will wish for a dry spring