A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
A pair of Black Swans have introduced their cygnets to the world at a pond in Flinders. Photo: Dylan Robinson
REGULAR visitors to the Flinders village green have been enjoying the sight of a couple of new arrivals.
During the past few months, two black swans have been residing at the popular pond.
Earlier this month, the mother gave birth to between five and seven cygnets.
Flinders resident Susan Russell regularly walks through the area and said only two of the chicks had survived, other residents reporting the remaining chicks had been taken by eels.
One of the surviving cygnets has a damaged leg, also believed to be from an eel attack.
"We have beautiful bird life here; lots of ducks, mallard ducks, water hens," Susan Russell said.
"I see swans all over the place, but I've never seen baby black swans in my life.
"(The parents) can get aggressive if you try to get too close.
"I don't like the little ones' chance of survival; something has tried to get them."
Illawarra Birders president Martin Cocker said it was not uncommon for black swans and their cygnets to settle in suitable areas throughout the region.
"They do nest here; you find them in little ponds and lakes," he said.
"Black swans use Lake Illawarra when they moult once a year.
"They lose their flight feathers for a few weeks and use Lake Illawarra for a refuge."
Mr Cocker encouraged residents to enjoy the view at Flinders, but to not litter near streams and ponds with items such as plastic bottles.
A Shellharbour City Council spokeswoman said rangers were unaware of the black swans at Flinders. She said it was natural for eels to eat such types of bird life, but they also served a key role within the ecosystem.