Following the irresponsible SPCA release of Briget to Loch Flemington, observations have been made by one of our Trust members on her situation. The first two days, Briget was trying unsuccessfully to befriend another Swan pair with 7 cygnets. Also observed currently around 40 other Swans on the Loch as well. Some of these believed to be Whooper swans that overwinter here from Iceland and beyond.
The Scottish SPCA were considering using a boat to try and catch Briget but I have advised against this for two reasons. Firstly Briget can paddle/ swim faster than a paddle boat, and the disturbance this would cause to all the Birds on the Loch. There appears to be plenty of feeding available as groups of Swans were observed feeding on the bottom weed. Briget should have no problem integrating with some of these and feeding on the vegetation, she is not a novice when it comes to other Swans and feeding. I estimate her new feather growth to be around a centimetre a day which should complete in a month, with maybe a week to harden off for the ability to fly. As long as she has access to food I am not worried about her future, I would not be surprised if she pays us a visit in January sometime !
Meanwhile we've had 2 days of Rain and the river is raging, just as well Briget is not there at the moment .
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