Annually, waterfowl species (mute swans, mallards, and other species) overwinter in unfrozen sections of rivers, lakes, and artificial reservoirs.

Swans are very trusting birds. They quickly get used to people. Therefore, birds that settle near human settlements become hostages of excessive human care and often suffer from it. They get used to "easy food sources" and do not want to forage for themselves, and when cold weather sets in, the birds suffer.

It is best not to feed swans in their natural habitat at all.

Swans and ducks tolerate the cold season well, finding their own food. Therefore, they can remain inactive for a long time. Birds sit on the ice or on the banks of water bodies, tucking their legs under themselves – this is how they conserve energy. In winter, swans and ducks mainly feed on underwater plant parts, but can also filter small crustaceans and various larvae with their beaks. This is their natural diet, which should not be replaced with kilograms of white bread.

Fat reserves are a natural insulator that helps the bird withstand low temperatures and swim in cold water. Fat reserves solve the "food" problem: the bird can use its accumulated fat to compensate for a lack of nutrition.

Swans tolerate cold well and can sit motionless for long periods. They do not need to shift from foot to foot, pace, or warm themselves. Swans have a minimum of nerve endings in their legs. It may seem from the outside that the bird is freezing. However, there is no need to worry; this is its usual behavior in sub-zero temperatures.

As soon as frost freezes the water body, citizens begin to worry and believe that they need to break the ice and ensure that the birds have an opening. However, one should not interfere with natural processes. The bird itself understands that the water is freezing and will find another suitable wintering place.

In addition, some citizens become concerned when a swan flaps its wings but does not take off. However, flapping wings does not always mean the bird is about to take off. Swans do this simply to stretch. They can take off equally well from water or from ice; the runway is not important for the bird.