Lake LaVerne swan passes away

[dahliaclone]

One of Lancelot/Elaine was found dead this week.

Since 2003, both swans were female. The remaining will stay on the lake until a second swan can be found to join her.

 

[pourcyne]

And Lancelot answered nothing, but he went,
And at the inrunning of a little brook
Sat by the river in a cove, and watched
The high reed wave, and lifted up his eyes
And saw the barge that brought her moving down,
Far-off, a blot upon the stream, and said
Low in himself, "Ah simple heart and sweet,
Ye loved me, damsel, surely with a love
Far tenderer than my Queen's. Pray for thy soul?
Ay, that will I. Farewell too--now at last--
Farewell, fair lily. (Tennyson, Lancelot and Elaine)

 

[BCClone]

Swans pair for life, odd they had two females. May need to get two new ones and retire the other one to another place

 

[DeereClone]

I just assumed they died way more often than that and all of them were named Elaine and Lancelot.

 

[davegilbertson]

I thought they were the original swans?

man oh man, really know how to kill the mood dahlia...

 

[BoxsterCy]

Been non-breading for awhile, although they do nest and lay eggs.

​

A pair of mute swans was introduced onto Lake LaVerne in 1935. In 1995, the state Department of Natural Resources asked the university to try trumpeter swans as part of its efforts to reintroduce the once-native bird to Iowa.​

​

In 1999, the use of trumpeters was discontinued because of their wandering (fearless of traffic) and aggressive nature, and were replaced by mute swans, which tend to spend more time on the water. Nonbreeding mute pairs are being used to prevent reproduction of the non-native species. FPM staff switched to this current female duo in 2003 after the male swans developed aggressive tendencies as they matured.​

​

No cygnets for Iowa State's iconic swans • Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff • Iowa State University

www.inside.iastate.edu

 

[Kaner04]

Swans pair for life, odd they had two females. May need to get two new ones and retire the other one to another place

Think they’re both female for territorial reasons. Easier to pair females than hope a male and a female work.

 

[imaclone2]

Think they’re both female for territorial reasons. Easier to pair females than hope a male and a female work.

Ain't that the truth

 

[everyyard]

Thoughts and prayers

 

[JM4CY]

If a swan dies and no one hears it’s swan song, is it really dead?

 

[isucally]

One of Lancelot/Elaine was found dead this week.

Since 2003, both swans were female. The remaining will stay on the lake until a second swan can be found to join her.

That’s a bummer they were there when I was attending ISU…

 

[Gunnerclone]

Next man in.

 

[JimDogRock]

Next man in.

That's what she said

 

[t-noah]

One of Lancelot/Elaine was found dead this week.

Since 2003, both swans were female. The remaining will stay on the lake until a second swan can be found to join her.

Sad. But a pretty good, long life. Good luck to ISU, getting a new pair. I haven't read the article in this thread, but I assume they have a good way to make them want to stay there, etc. Maybe the Vet Dept has helped in some way, over the years, on how to keep them there? No clue as to why they don't just fly off.

And Lancelot answered nothing, but he went,
And at the inrunning of a little brook
Sat by the river in a cove, and watched
The high reed wave, and lifted up his eyes
And saw the barge that brought her moving down,
Far-off, a blot upon the stream, and said
Low in himself, "Ah simple heart and sweet,
Ye loved me, damsel, surely with a love
Far tenderer than my Queen's. Pray for thy soul?
Ay, that will I. Farewell too--now at last--
Farewell, fair lily. (Tennyson, Lancelot and Elaine)

Trying to civilize the unruly, huh? Is this TENNYSON? CF could probably use a little culture.

Next, see if you can try this in the cave? No hope for me< I'm afraid.

 

[CycloneDaddy]

Sad. But a pretty good, long life. Good luck to ISU, getting a new pair. I haven't read the article in this thread, but I assume they have a good way to make them want to stay there, etc. Maybe the Vet Dept has helped in some way, over the years, on how to keep them there? No clue as to why they don't just fly off.

Trying to civilize the unruly, huh? Is this TENNYSON? CF could probably use a little culture.

Next, see if you can try this in the cave? No hope for me< I'm afraid.

I would assume they clip their wings so they cant fly.

 

[Acylum]

Swans pair for life, odd they had two females. May need to get two new ones and retire the other one to another place

The whole “mate for life” thing in the animal kingdom is completely overblown. Also, are you saying two females cannot produce offspring in this day and age? Shame on you.

 

[BCClone]

The whole “mate for life” thing in the animal kingdom is completely overblown. Also, are you saying two females cannot produce offspring in this day and age? Shame on you.

Going off what the county conservationist said. Said swans are pretty monogamous. No comment on the last part.

 

[KnappShack]

Sad. But a pretty good, long life. Good luck to ISU, getting a new pair. I haven't read the article in this thread, but I assume they have a good way to make them want to stay there, etc. Maybe the Vet Dept has helped in some way, over the years, on how to keep them there? No clue as to why they don't just fly off.

Trying to civilize the unruly, huh? Is this TENNYSON? CF could probably use a little culture.

Next, see if you can try this in the cave? No hope for me< I'm afraid.

All of the culture is in the premium lounge.

Weren't these swans a little aggressive?

 

[madguy30]

All of the culture is in the premium lounge.

Weren't these swans a little aggressive?

Swans in general aren't to be messed with.

 

[Acylum]

Going off what the county conservationist said. Said swans are pretty monogamous. No comment on the last part.

Penguins were thought to be pretty dedicated also. Until they put cameras on them for longer periods. It’s a common misbelief , especially among birds. Eagles are somewhat monogamous. It’s usually the male that goes for the strange stuff.