Swans start leaving Slimbridge!
The first 77 Bewick’s started their spring migration from Slimbridge last night! A large group were heard calling at 1am as dozens flew over the Scott House (A. Brodzinski) and today we were left with 181 swans. Although conditions were not perfect, the swans took advantage of a break in the cloud and a very mild wind to start a journey that will take them more than 2,500 miles across Northwest Europe, the Baltic and the White Sea, before finally arriving in arctic Russia in May. Over the past couple of days we have seen several mini practice flights around Gloucestershire but after checking various areas today, it seems as though a large group have departed. The swans are a little later leaving this winter with only 100 or so usually remaining at this time of year. The northerly winds and recent dip of temperatures are likely to have delayed migration.
