May 31, 2026
Written by Sheilagh Rose
The cygnets have arrived!
Each year in the spring I would look forward to going to the George Langman Sanctuary to see the Mute Swans and their new arrivals. Last year this did not happen. The sanctuary had a new pair of Mute Swans in the enclosure and they did not have babies.
This was the first successful breeding for this pair. I was able to see the four cygnets this week and it was hoped to have a fifth but the egg has not hatched and a crack is present to it. The egg is dusky grey in colour and large in the nest. This is considered an average number of hatchlings for this type of swan.
There is an organized team at the George Langman Sanctuary who monitor these swans and take care of their welfare. Mute swans are considered to be invasive and require a licence to have them. This pair are about three years old and do not fly. Though they are called Mute Swans they have a voice that is similar to a Trumpeter Swan but not as loud. They have a life expectancy of about 25 years and in many cases and may have the same mate through out their lives. This breed of swans has been in Canada since the early 1900’s when they were introduced from Europe. They were considered a decretive swan for show on estates and are not a native swan to North America. This breed can be very protective of their offspring and the enclosure is not only for the cygnet’s protection but the people who visit to see these beautiful birds.
The other swans you will see at this sanctuary are wild native Trumpeter Swan are a slightly larger build compared to Mute Swan. Their bill colour of black and they are not as aggressive in personality usually… Tundra swans also have been seen here.
If you would like to view these lovely birds and all the other birds here make a plan to visit George Langman Sanctuary at: 2457 Bass Lake Side Road located in the Township of Oro-Medonte just minutes outside of Orillia. This sanctuary is open to the public to help encourage education and conservation of our wetlands and the wildlife present. There are walking trails and picnic tables for you to enjoy family time here with nature.
This property is owned and managed by the Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club if you would like to learn more about this organization, please feel free to visit our website or pick up brochure at the sanctuary.
Sheilagh Rose