Gransnet forums

Chat

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise

Swan census

(6 Posts)
Add comment | Report
Riverwalk Thu 27-Jul-23 19:02:52

Just watched a report on local TV about the annual census on the swan population which has taken place this week on a stretch of the Thames.

Apparently the numbers are down - can't remember the figures as was too distracted by the news that this is due to

Shootings
Catapults
Dog attacks

What is the matter with people - I do despair at times!

Add comment | Report
Cherrytree59 Thu 27-Jul-23 19:32:42

I would have thought bird flu could also a factor 😞

Add comment | Report
Oreo Thu 27-Jul-23 20:09:58

Strange that numbers are down when it’s called swan upping.
I guess all, sorts of factors are at play including the weather.

Add comment | Report
merlotgran Thu 27-Jul-23 20:14:58

A lot of swans have been lost to bird flu this year. 🙁

Add comment | Report
Jaxjacky Thu 27-Jul-23 21:16:25

I just read the report, Avian flu, as was expected, contributed to a 40% drop in cygnets. As well as other factors mentioned by Riverwalk, flooding caused some nests to be swept away.

Add comment | Report
Gillycats Fri 28-Jul-23 00:05:23

For the first time in 10 years I haven’t seen cygnets or ducklings along the stretch of the Thames where I walk my dog. It’s extremely worrying. Bird flu no doubt hasn’t helped but that said there are still some breeding pairs around. Just no babies. Part of me is convinced it’s to do with pollution and climate change. The extremes of weather which we now have I think has upset the ecological balance. I’ll be interested to see what scientific studies make of all this.

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise