Saturday, January 27, 2007

Are the swans OK?

Mute Swan on ice at Harlem Meer, 2/15/06
photo by Cal Vornberger [http://www.calvorn.com]


On a day when the temperature in Central Park dipped to 8 degrees, Gena Palumbo of NYC writes:


I am worried about the mute swans on the Central Park lake in this cold weather. Will they be ok?

Here's my answer:

Dear Gena,

Mute swans have overwintered in Central Park for many years. Their problem is never that they get too cold when the temperature drops. Don't forget their magnificent down jackets, and their waterproofing, to say nothing of their various means of homeostatic thermoregulation. The only thing that would affect their survival is the lack of open water in case everything freezes over completely. They need some open water to survive. This is true for the overwintering ducks as well.

The Lake in Central Park rarely freezes over completely. There is almost always some open water near or under Balcony Bridge on the Lake, for example. Often when the Lake seems frozen you'll find great numbers of ducks and the swans in that area. However, if the Lake and other waterbodies were to completely freeze, thus affecting the birds' food supply, don't forget their wings. They'll fly elsewhere in search of open water.

These are very strong and hardy birds with a good layer of down to protect them from cold. And they are powerful flyers in case of an extreme frost. So while I can't guarantee anything, obviously, I'd say: Not to worry.

Cheers,

Marie


posted by Marie Winn @ 1/27/2007 11:30:00 AM