Black swans are native to Australia and New Zealand. However, they're present in the UK as a result of being released or escaping from captivity. There is now a very small breeding population in the UK. I couldn't find a population estimate, but there's been a 78% increase in numbers since 1995.
This one arrived on my local patch this week and had quite an effect.
After arriving on my local patch, people are now stopping and excitedly talking about the new swan, asking if she's okay and still there, rather than walking by with a simple nod. The locals are protective and keeping her fed in the hope she'll stay.
Maybe she'll be a catalyst for more people learning about nature and wanting to protect it, or maybe the volume of visitors will scare her off and people will move on to the next thing. Who knows.
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