Swan nest in tidal water

[Ginny Justice]

We live on a cove that has brackish water and is tidal. Two swans built a nest on our property and we know the pen laid at least one egg on the nest. We had a very high tide one day and the nest was flooded. We assume the egg(s) was destroyed by the water. We understand they return to the original site every year to build their nests. Is there anything we can do to encourage them to build their nest higher up on our property? Or might we be able to add land fill under the current nest so it doesn’t flood next year?
Many thanks for your help.

[Swan Expert]

Hi Ginny

First, we would raise the nesting area so the tidal wave cannot affect the nest. You need to ensure that the soil under the nesting site is fully packed for each layer you fill. Even then, a strong tide may still flood the nest.

Second, when you see the swans looking to nest and searching for nesting material, show and provide them with cut grass or straw and place it higher on your property. There is a chance that they may make a nest where you place the nesting material. However, there is no guarantee that they will not return to the old nest because swans continually return to the same nest. They possibly do this because of familiarity with the area, presence of good food resources, protection from predators, shelter from inclement weather etc. But, if you can provide nesting material near the old nest on higher ground you may still have a chance of luring them to the new nesting material. The Regal Swan

[Ginny Justice]

Thank you so much. We will do our best to try both of those methods. I appreciate your advice very much.

Best,
Ginny

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