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Once upon a time a handsome swan prince named Fred and a beautiful swan princess named Ethel met beak-to-beak under the fountain in the pond on the grounds of Brandywine Valley’s Country Estate. The couple were married in an elaborate ceremony, and for over a decade they produced between 6 and 7 babies each Spring, which are called cygnets.
Laurel, Christie, Ethel and Brandy are the second generation of swans to grace the pond of the Estate. Since their birth, they have participated in the tradition of the Royal Swan Feeding. Each evening the Royal Swan Master summons the swans with his Bell and Staff and leads them to their feeding in the Estate paddock area. This ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to participate and meet our extended swan family.
 On Friday, June 8, 2007, the last 2 eggs out of 5 hatched and our third generation of cygnets arrived. Until this time, the 4 resident swans were thought to be all females – Laurel, Christie, Ethel and Brandy. With the arrival of the new cygnets we now know that there is one adult male in the mix- Laurel turns out to be, in fact, Lawrence.
When cygnets reach a certain age, the time comes to separate them from their parents so that they can begin their journey as young adults in this world. Through our close relationship with Delaware Park, we were able to find the cygnets a new home, on the very large pond located at the infield of the Delaware Park Thoroughbred Racetrack, less than a mile form our Estate.
Guests of all ages are invited to join us at 5:30 each evening by the pond for the grand tradition of our Royal Swan Feeding ceremony. Get up close and personal with our Estate swans, participate in their feeding, sip a seasonal beverage, and learn fun facts about our resident mascots that could win you a prize at the end of each event.
Click here to view photos of our most recent Swan Feeding ceremonies.
 Our partners at the Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research facility are dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and oiled native wild birds, with the goal of returning healthy birds to their natural environment. Their incredible staff of world-class professionals and volunteers accomplishes these goals through compassionate care, humane research and education.
We invite you to learn more about the Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research organizatin by visiting their website: www.tristatebird.org
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