Our mute swan is now incubating an incredible 11 eggs. This clutch is larger than average but not recordbreaking I have heard of a swan's nest with 13 eggs before.

You can watch more mute swan films here:    • Mute Swan  | Discover Wildlife | Rob...  

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Swan eggs

Swans eggs are typically 12cm x 7cm in size and have a weight of around 350g and have such a thick shell they are easily strong enough to take the weight of an adult swan as is evidenced here when the female steps nonchalantly onto one.

Egg laying

Swans tend to lay every 12 days and this clutch of total of nine eggs took just over two weeks to lay, with the last egg laid on March 27th 2023.

Swan incubation

The pen only begins to fully incubate once her clutch is complete. This ensures the chicks all hatch together and she incubates for roughly 3541 days. I am expecting these chicks to hatch at the beginning of May.

Mute swans

Mute swans are the most common of swan species here on mainland Britain and are easy to recognise by their orange bills which have a large black 'knob' at the base

Male vs female swans

Female swan are known as 'pens' and males as 'cobs'. It is very difficult to tell the difference between the sexes and both are involved in parenting; but the cob is discernable by his behaviour he tends to guard the nest while the pen leaves to feed.

Male vs female roles

Until incubation begins it is often the cobb (or male) that sits on the eggs to protect them from predators although the heat he exerts is not enough to stimulate the embryos inside. Meanwhile the pen spends her time feeding up to ensure she is strong enough for the long days of incubation to come.

Next time

I will continue to post the highlights from this new nest camera as they happen so subscribe to follow the story.

ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.

You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: https://www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!

You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: https://www.robertefuller.com
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© Robert E Fuller

Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to reupload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [email protected]

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