Mother of Esplanade swan family passes away in nest

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The mother swan of the Esplanade swan family has passed away after recently hatching her cygnets, the Charles River Esplanade announced Tuesday.

“We’re saddened to report that the mother swan of the adorable Esplanade swan family passed away last night in her nest,” the Esplanade said in a tweet. “We want to thank @animalboston for safely removing her from the swan’s nest while the father swan sat at the nest with their cygnets tucked under his wings.”

No foul play is suspected, said Mike Nichols of the Charles River Esplanade Association.

“To our knowledge, there hasn’t been any report or signs of foul play with regard to the mother swan,” Nichols said in a statement to Boston 25. “We all at the Esplanade Association are sorry to learn of her passing, but all signs point to the death just being a product of nature.”

The father swan was seen Tuesday afternoon standing guard over his cygnets at the nest. Several people have been stopping by to watch in somber reflection.

The majestic swan family is a favorite of local photographers and residents and tourists who visit the area.

On Friday, the Esplanade tweeted photographs of the swan family all swimming together.

Photographer Silvia J. Zarco reported the swan’s final moments on Instagram, the Esplanade said.

The swan reportedly hatched six cygnets and her mate never left her side “with their cygnets tucked under his wings,” according to the Esplanade.

The father and his cygnets were seen swimming together later Tuesday afternoon.

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