Bewick's reach UK shores
Risa
The Bewick’s have reached UK shores! Trotsky, named to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, flew into Slimbridge on 8 November. With mild weather and westerly winds stalling migration, this was the latest arrival date since the 1967/68 winter. He was soon joined by Slimbridge stalwarts Risa and Rizo. Risa is a familiar face having loyally wintered at the reserve since 1999! She is easily spotted by her white leg-ring (TPZ) and over the years has been seen at 16 sites in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia.
Numbers are gradually building on the Ouse Washes with around 125 recorded in recent days (R. Ward). Our transmitter swans are a little further behind. Maisie, Leho and Hope are in Latvia while Daisy Clarke has now reached the Netherlands after following a route along the Baltic coast via Schleswig Holstein in Germany…..
If you have a keen eye and manage to read a ring fitted to a Bewick's swan this winter, we would be interested in hearing from you! All you need to do is report the ring code to colourmarkedswans@wwt.org.uk along with details on the location, date, habitat type, flock count and information on associating partners and/or cygnets. Each ringed swan has a fascinating life-history and we would be happy to share information about your swan. Your news of our ringed birds is crucial for helping us to understand sites of importance and migration routes along the flyway as well as survival rates from year to year.
