They call them the wanderers.
Five swans are unaccounted for on the city of Stratford’s main river system and city officials are asking residents to keep an eye out for them.
Quin Malot, Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Manager, said there were six swans on the Avon River on Aug. 13. The following day, there were three, and two days later, none.
“We started to get concerned,” Malot told MyStratfordNow.
One has since been found on a construction pond in the north end, and it’s being fed before being transported back to the main river system.
City staff have walked the river banks, east towards Stratford Country Club, where the swans regularly wander off to. Not only was there no sign of them, but also no sign of any evidence normally left behind when they leave their regular surroundings.
“It was very strange we didn’t see any feathers or remnants.”
Malot said staff have looked in storm water retention ponds and placed social media posts.
He said they may be in tributaries further up the river.
Malot said the weather and water levels in the Avon River were not factors.
Swans have wandered off before but not all at once.
“We just don’t have any idea how they vanished like that.”
There are other swans under city care including a half dozen at Happy Hills Campground, and one is in a storm water retention pond in the Fields subdivision.
“We are just concerned where they are. We want to get some eyes out there.”
Contact Malot if you see one in an unusual area at 519-271-0250 ext. 5246 or email: [email protected]
