Beauty in Ohio: Swans at Buckeye Lake

Get too close and they'll hiss like Naomi Campbell

Buckeye Lake was always filled with ducks. Lots and lots of ducks. But now, they have become replaced by hoards of Canadian Geese, which the locals hate because they settle on land and leave such a mass of droppings everywhere it is impossible to avoid stepping in them. (See the strings below that were installed by my husband as a barrier to keep the geese in the water and off the yard.) The geese are still there, but lately there have been a new breed of visitor: swans. The most recent sitings have involved a husband and wife team with a brood of four cygnets. 

They are so cute, but if you come close -- they will hiss. One day my mom decided she must feed them - with the only thing she had on hand - saltines. While I implored her not to, I didn't have any hard fast evidence as to why this was bad for them. She did it nonetheless and was excited when they ate some of it. I have since learned that it is very bad to feed these birds, because the typical foods people try to give them are harmful to their intestines, and keep them from eating their nutrient-dense diet of super foods like algae. The only time it is ok is if it is winter or late fall / early spring and their natural food is not available. Then it is ok to give them natural popped corn, cooked brown rice or lightly steamed vegetable scraps. Got it? Good! If you don't believe me, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in Dublin and let tell you what they think. Whatever you do, just don't tell them my mom gave them saltines! 

Pappa swan in Buckeye Lake