Nature Done Wright

   Winter is still a long way off, but the mute swan in the Celery Farm not only seems to be sticking around, but it appears to be settling in not far from the  Warden’s Watch.

   When the swan isn’t on the lake, it can usually be found sitting in a small depression on a small spit of land just to the west of the Warden’s Watch. It is pictured above, behind some low plants.

The same locale has been typically used by nesting Canada geese in the spring.

  Is this an indication that the swan might be planning ahead for next spring?

  Although mute swans are considered an invasive species that will drive out other nesting birds, that has not been the case at the Celery Farm.  Snapping turtles have been their downfall.

  In the meantime, the mute swan on Lake Appert does not appear to be seems to be harassing any other waterfowl — if anything, it has been a nice addition to the natural area this fall.

  The questions now seem to be: How will will it stay, and will it find a mate?