Black Swans

Looking back at my past blog posts I've noticed the post that has gotten the most views and comments is the post about black squirrels on the ONU campus. Seeing as how the topic got so much attention I thought I would make another blog about the campus critters roaming about. The black swans on ONU's campus are quite famous for being vicious and will attack at any time. You will hear horror stories of black swans whenever you step foot on campus. ONU has several ponds on campus and there is one pond in particular that three black swans call home year-round. I didn't even realize black swans existed before coming to school here I thought they were made up for fairy-tale stories. Although they are beautiful creatures they are just like any other swan when it comes to being aggressive.

During the winter the swans are kept in a barn on campus near the president's house so they can remain warm and fed. The winter swan care comes at no additional cost to the university and they are fed bread and lettuce left over from the McIntosh Dining Hall. Changing their bedding takes two people and 2-3 hours because the male swan is so aggressive. It's comforting to know the swans will be safe and warm during the harsh and freezing winter months.

Black swans are native to Australia and are the state bird of Western Australia. They were brought to the UK as ornamental birds like peacocks and golden pheasants. Like many other captive birds, they found their way out into the wild.