Beginning to think Slim, Sue and the cygnets are going to be around for some time yet. Other than the occasional pick on the neck, they still show no real signs of chasing them away.
Over wintering like last year perhaps. They all look in great condition and good health, with their new white plumage.
Even Runty has blossomed but still some time behind in development, but the white feathers are starting to show on her back. They have all weathered their first major storm, are proficient flyers and fit for anything.
Slim keeps a watchful eye on me for his favourite handouts.
Doris the rescued duck has also survived, along with her many female offspring which gives me a great feeling of satisfaction.
Hi Joe, you are lucky to have all the offspring still with their parents. Our juveniles have all flown, except one, from the Sankey canal at Wargrave, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside. Only Johnny is left with Vulcan and Beatrix. He is bigger than his pen now, almost as big as his cob, but still acting like a baby and mewing at them both! Sophia left first and she has been seen in Winsford and Middlewich, then Adalia and Benjamin left together and have been seen on a local flash. Another male had a nasty infection after swallowing fishing hook and line and was cured by Dan Sidley at YSWRH so he was released onto a lake in Roundhay County Park. Jemima was chased off last Wednesday by her dad, she was really white by then.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the dreaded and dreadful Avian flu is creeping closer and closer to the area. Several swans have died in the local non breeding flock at Spike Island in Widnes. I worry for our residential pair as well as the juveniles who have left and are flying around looking for a new home. On our Facebook page, Sankey Canal Wildlife, we are urging people to disinfect their shoes and hands and change their clothing after visiting the swans, especially as several people feed swans in different areas.
A rescuer in Stratford upon Avon, whom I met years ago, Cyril Bennis, has had a dreadful time recovering dead bodies on behalf of DEFRA wearing specialised PPE, from his area. He is devastated by the losses of birds he has cared for for years.
Let’s hope our swans stay healthy and safe.
Keep up the good work, Joe and take care and stay safe x
Hi Wendy, Good that you're keeping in such close contact with all your swans.
ReplyDeleteThe Avian flu is a real worry though. Hope to God we don't get it coming in on a gull or some other migrant bird. In that sense I'm glad our lot are still in the river and not yet been chased away by Slim and Sue.
Fingers cross yours also stay safe. Last year there was an outbreak around the same time, must be the annual migrant birds bringing it in.
Just finishing the Annual Trust newsletter and one page Calendar which I'll email you shortly.
Great work down there.
Take care and stay safe Joe x