Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Wetland ponds created as part of the cleanup and restoration of the Fernald site have become an ideal habitat for the usually solitary mute swan. As many as five swans have been sited at one time on site indicating that the environment is suitable for the long-term survival of the species in the area. The wetland communities at the Fernald Preserve are significant considering the swan’s population numbers were noted as declining in a US Fish and Wildlife 2005 Flyway Council paper. This swan is one of the heaviest flying birds, with males averaging at 27 lbs. and sometimes standing over four feet tall.