SWANS FOR SALE!   Numbers of mated pairs allowed to nest on Lake Victoria is limited as well as flock size.  From time to time mated pairs as well as single swans are available for sale.  It should be noted that a Permit to Possess Wild Migratory Birds is required.  For further information on licensing and purchasing of swans, contact the Community Services Department at (519) 271-0250 ext 243.


ABOUT OUR SWANS: There are two species of swans along the Avon. The white swans are called MUTE SWANS, however they are far from silent. The black swans are called BLACK SWANS, and are native to Australia.

The MUTE SWANS may further be divided by colour variation. The black-legged swans are ROYALS and come from Great Britain. The beige-legged swans are called POLISH swans and they are from Eurasia.

The female swan is called a PEN. The male swan is called a COB. The baby swans are CYGNETS. A cob will be slightly larger than a pen, and his bill will be a brighter orange and the knob at the base of the bill will be larger. A group of swans is called a HERD. Swans can live to an age of 40 and can weigh up to 30 pounds.

Mr. Robert J. Miller was Stratford’s Honorary Keeper of the Swans and was the ONLY person in North America to hold this title. For over forty years, he volunteered his time to work with Stratford’s Board of Park Management to help care for the swans. A wonderful book written by Robert Miller called “The Swans of Stratford” is available in stores around Stratford. Mr. Miller passed away in February 2007.

Any difficult questions, or in a situation where there is a swan that has been injured, Community Service should be contacted at (519) 271-0250, ext. 243 or after hours at (519) 271-0820.


SWAN FOOD   Those feeding the swans are encouraged to utilize corn, rather than bread, as swans have difficulty digesting the bread.  Bags of corn have been prepared for purchase for $1.00 at the Information Centre, to ensure that the swans get the right nutrition.  All profit goes to O.S.P.C.A. and S.W.A.N.S. (Stratford Waterfowl and Nature Society), which is part of The Swan Project.


ANNUAL SWAN RELEASE is usually the last Sunday in March or the first Sunday in April.

If a duck is injured, because they are wild, the OSPCA must be contacted at (519) 273-6600

BAR-HEADED GEESE: Only at the Country Club – These geese have two black bars on the top of their heads.

GREAT BLUE HERON: A lean gray bird often miscalled a crane. The heron may stand up to 4ft tall. Its long legs, long neck, daggerlike bill, and, in flight, folded neck indicate a heron. There is quite a bit of white about the head (in adults.) The birds communicate with deep harsh croaks.

CANADA GOOSE: The most widespread goose in North America. The geese have a black head and neck (‘stocking’) with a pale breast and a white patch (‘chinstrap’) that runs onto the side of the head. Flocks travel in long strings in V formation, announcing their approach by musical honking or barking.

CHINESE GEESE: There are two on the Avon River. They are pure white, with orange legs, feet, and bills – They are often mistaken for Swans.

COLL DUCKS: One on the Avon River – Black with a white breast (near Hillcrest Drive).

MALLARDS: Male = Uncrested, glossy-green head and white neck-ring. They are grayish with a chestnut chest, white tail, yellowish bill, orange feet, and violet-blue speculum. Female = They are mottled brown, with a whitish tail, orange feet and a bill patched with orange. They have a white-blue speculum. There are approximately 200-300 on the Avon River.

MUSKOVY DUCK: Native to Argentina he is black and white with red on his face.