Swan family welcomes cygnets in Victoria Harbour

Docklands has some adorable new residents, with five fluffy cygnets hatching in Victoria Harbour last month.

The young family was first spotted around September 21 in one of the City of Melbourne’s floating wetlands near the Library at the Dock. Locals were delighted to see the tiny grey chicks nestled against their mother before the brood quickly took to the water.

The main photo above was shared by resident Marika Silwedel in the Docklands Community Hub Facebook group on September 26. The second and third photos were captured by Gordon Cameron. 

Resident Michael Lindell, who also managed to capture a few photos, including the final one above during nesting, said the swans didn’t linger long.

“The nest had four cygnets, but within a few days they were off with their parents –probably under the piers somewhere safe,” he said. “When I came back, all that was left were some downy feathers and a few bits of eggshell.”

While the nest may now be empty, the brief appearance brought plenty of joy to passers-by.

With luck, Docklanders will see the cygnets again as they grow and learn to navigate the harbour – adding another heart-warming chapter to the story of Docklands’ harbour. •