Longboat Key swans on track for hatching

The due date for Greta the swan creeps closer and the swan population on Longboat Key could grow for the first time in three years. 

The first day of Greta's due date window was April 28, but as of 8 a.m., there was no action, said David Novak, who keeps tabs on the birds. The wait could go through Friday, May 1, at which point Novak will start to worry if there's nothing happening. 

"Without even knowing when she 'sits for good' I use May 1 at the hatching date," Novak wrote. 

In the days leading up, there hasn't been much to report, other than Longboat Key’s swan mother-to-be has been a perfect nester with support from nesting partner Clark, said Novak. 

“They’re perfect, attending to the nest and attending to each other,” Novak said. 

Greta and Clark nested last year, but the eggs were chilled by rainstorms and incubation was stopped due to the drop in temperature. Once it’s stopped, it can’t be restarted and the eggs were not viable. Despite the recent rainstorms, the eggs are still doing well and Greta has stayed on the nest. 

“I hope the rain shouldn’t be detrimental to this, but it’s always a possibility,” Novak said. “Just gotta keep our fingers crossed.” 

On Friday, April 24, Novak went out to feed the swans before the sun rose and found Greta sleeping on the nest with Clark right beside her. 

“What more can you ask for?” Novak said of the expectant parents.  

Novak has photographer Lou Newman, who always snaps shots of the swans, on alert and will notify him when the newborns emerge so they can get their baby pictures taken.