This mute swan visited my local patch for a few days, with his mate and a friend. Unfortunately, the resident swans weren't a fan, so all three have now been chased off. I was hoping to be able to provide more details because all three swans were ringed, but all I can say is that he was ringed as a female swan either in Failsworth or Salford Quays and is at least two years old 🤷.
Same swan as the previous post, just a slightly different angle. The facial knob (yes, it's really called that) is clearly visible in this photo and is quite pronounced, although not as large as our resident male swan. The beak is quite pale, which I think is a sign that they're still quite young.
This is an (almost) four year old male, ringed two years ago in Sale. He visited Failsworth in December and met up with at least one of the others there. Unfortunately, he was being chased by the resident pair and the other visiting pair, but he seemed quite happy and healthy otherwise.
I know this because the ringer keeps some very good records and is happy to share the info when a report is made.
His name is Ivan and he's around ten years old. He's been on my local pond for about the last 5 years and he's the reason we don't have the 3 new mute swans, the black swan, greylag geese and quite a few other birds. It's his territory and that's the way he likes it.
It's just possible to see the blue plastic ring on his right leg. It's those rings and the work of quite a few volunteers that means I could tell the story of these swans.
EXCLUSIVE: Swan Song, Robert McCammon’s bestselling post-apocalyptic novel, is getting the small-screen treatment. Monarch Media and Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten’s Monster Agency Prod…
Sorting through the photos taken over the last couple of weeks. Found a last wee collection to share from the trip where we met the Mighty Borb. I am very fond of the reflections in the water.
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.
A swan at sunrise on the partially frozen Victoria Park Pond in the west of Glasgow. This was taken yesterday when, unlike today, the sun actually managed to make its presence felt in the city.
Happy Winter Solstice to all. A day to rest and reflect. I thought this photo of a full moon rising over the lake with swans on a winter afternoon was an appropriate photo for the shortest day. (Best viewed on a large screen.)
‘Swan Song’ Based On Robert McCammon Novel In Works For Television From Monarch Media; Greg Nicotero To EP & Direct Pilot (deadline.com)
EXCLUSIVE: Swan Song, Robert McCammon’s bestselling post-apocalyptic novel, is getting the small-screen treatment. Monarch Media and Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten’s Monster Agency Prod…