Residents hope to raise funds for new swan to grace pond

That swan, named Memphis, has been on his own since September, when a predator killed the second swan, Scottie, that had called the pond home. Wildlife authorities speculate that a mountain lion killed Scottie, according to The Village residents Sheron Dinnel and Judy Leafdale. A mountain lion spotting had occurred in the general area prior to Scottie’s tragic death. 

Dinnell, Leafdale and another resident, Gerald Bacon, are among residents organizing efforts to fundraise to purchase a new swan for The Village. It will be a big undertaking, with a new swan estimated at about $8,000 to $9,000, the residents explained Tuesday. 

Swans have lived in the pond at The Village throughout most of its history, according to information gathered by the residents. The first wings of The Village were opened in March 1991, and excavating for the pond took place early that year. In December 1991, two swans were gifted to The Village by Scottsbluff Landscaping, the company that had done the landscaping work for the facility. Through the years, there has always been a pair of swans at the pond. Scottie’s arrival date at The Village is uncertain, but a former administrator estimated he had lived there since the late 1990s. Memphis arrived in late January 2016, replacing a swan that had died of natural causes. It cost about $8,000 to purchase Memphis, Leafdale said, which included transporting him via plane to Colorado and fees for inspections and other costs. 

Leafdale, a former biology teacher, has been researching swans over the last few months. She notes that the swans that have lived on the pond at The Village are mute swans, a species of swan with a different call than other swan species, with a call described as a a hoarse or muffled trumpet that is not as loud as other species.

“They have a job,” she said, explaining that the presence of the swans isn’t solely for the enjoyment of the residents or the community. “They keep the geese away.”

There have been years when hundreds of Canadian geese and a few ducks took up residence at the pond, she said, but the recent swans have done a good job of controlling them. They also keep the pond clean.

Mute swans aren’t a native species, so their breeding and other care is controlled. The two swans at The Village were males. To prevent breeding, plans are to continue with having a male pair.

Swans do live longer with a companion so it is important to have a pair, she explained. However, swans, particularly nesting swans, can be territorial so controlling their population is also important because of the impacts they can have on other fish and wildlife.

To ensure that a swan coming to the area is acclimated to the colder temperatures of Nebraska, Leafdale has been consulting with a breeder in Indiana from whom the fundraising group hopes to purchase a swan. The breeder is selective, she said, caring about the homes that swans go to, their care and other aspects that appeal to the group. Also, she said, he will transport the swan and provide any additional consultation that is needed.

Dinnel, who lives in an apartment from which she can view the pond, said, “I get such a kick out of it, looking out my window and seeing the swans.”

Many of the residents have stories or anecdotes about the swans and some, like Leafdale, could even tell Scottie and Memphis apart by their markings and other features.

Dinnel and Bacon also note that the swans have held a special place in the community. The pathway that wraps around the pond is well-used by Regional West nurses and other health care workers, workers at The Village and other nearby businesses. Also, residents in the area also frequently walk the pathway or visit the pond to see the swans. 

“People enjoy seeing them,” Dinnel said. “I’ve seen high school seniors pose at the pond, even a ballet dancer in her costume positioned so the swan was in the background. You see cars drive by and you see people poking their heads out of their windows so they can see the swans. It really does serve as a community pond.” 

Recently, three colored fountains were installed in the pond, which makes viewing of the swans even more enjoyable, especially at night, Dinnel said. 

To date, the residents have raised about $2,500 toward their goal. Bacon, who also serves as the independent living board chair, said some of the neighbors of The Village have contributed to the fund, as well as family members of residents who asked for contributions for Christmas gifts, dedicated memorials and other contributions.

A donation or gift in any manner, large or small, is appreciated, he said. 

The fundraiser is being promoted with signs, many bearing feathers in memory of Scottie, at The Village. The residents have also posted signs along the pathway near the pond, hoping to make walkers and visitors aware of the campaign.

The timeline of the purchase of a new swan will be dependent on how quickly the residents are able to raise the funds, but they are optimistic they’ll be able to complete fundraising by spring. Any remaining funds will benefit the swans’ maintenance and vet care needs. 

Donations can be sent to The Village. Checks should be payable to The Village Activity Fund, 320 East 42nd St., Apartment W117, Scottsbluff, NE 69361. Donations can also be left with the receptionist just inside the main entrance from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donations are tax deductible.