A clutch of cute and fluffy Cygnus atratus (black swan) cygnets have hatched out of their shells in the Wylies Creek wetlands at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Ollie Sherlock, conservation officer at the gardens, said staff were aware of a pair of black swans settling on the dam recently and building a nest deep in the reed beds.
“A previous attempt at nesting by a pair of swans ended unhappily several years ago when a rain event flooded their nest and led them to desert it,” Mr Sherlock said.
“So, we were absolutely thrilled when the cygnets successfully incubated a clutch of eggs this time around.”
Black Swans are large waterbirds that not only pair for life but also share incubation and cygnet-rearing responsibilities.
Each mating season they produce one brood of cygnets.
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is a fantastic spot for bird watching with a range of different habitat types that support a diverse range of bird species.
Given this incredible diversity, dogs are not allowed on the site. Nesting birds can easily be scared from their nest and cygnets are also a vulnerable target.
Also, ducks and other waterbirds only require nutrients from their own natural food source.
Feeding these birds can lead to health problems, dependency on humans for food and a failure to recognise predators.
So, for the safety of the wildlife, please enjoy a picnic or a snack at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne but please do not share it with the fuzzy, fluffy or feathered friends.
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne offers a free shuttle bus service from Cranbourne Train Station to the gardens.
