Swan news
The swans are late and yes it’s the weathers fault!
Since the first Bewick’s swans flew into Britain last month we were expecting hundreds to be hot on their heels. But things are working out rather differently this autumn... So far, only 21 swans have reached Slimbridge which falls far below the average
16 November 2012
A promising year for the Bewick's?
Mild temperatures and westerly winds have stemmed the flow of Bewick’s to Britain in recent days with only small groups venturing across the North Sea from the continent. However, slowly but surely the swans are edging closer. The 2,300 birds that dropp
13 November 2012
First family arrives at Slimbridge!
The first Bewick’s swan family of the season has flown into Slimbridge for the winter! There was great excitement as old favourites Lucius and Aoki appeared at the morning feed with a healthy cygnet in tow. Lucius (C. Bu
5 November 2012
Hello Humbugs!
The first Bewick’s swan jumped ahead of the rest and arrived at Slimbridge over the weekend! It was written on the cards – Friday evening saw perfect conditions for migration with light north-easterly breezes, great visibility and clear skies. North-e
29 October 2012
The swans are coming!
One of nature’s greatest spectacles and feats of endurance is now underway as thousands of small yet hardy Bewick’s swans escape the freezing Russian arctic winter and make their way to warmer havens in northwest Europe. After leaving Russia in Septem
22 October 2012
A fond farewell!
We waved a final farewell to the Bewick’s swans this week as the last few left on spring migration back to arctic Russia, symbolically ending the British winter. And what a winter it has been! Familiar faces, unusual associations and of course, the usua
15 March 2012
Mass migration underway!
Over the weekend, the count at Slimbridge dropped from 120 swans to just 56 recorded today, with many making the most of the clear skies and south-westerly winds on Saturday evening to start their spring migration. Swans o
5 March 2012
Bewick's start migration!
Last night saw the first mass departure from Slimbridge as large numbers of Bewick’s started their spring migration. The count dropped from 160 birds to 118 (including 31 cygnets) overnight. Swans in flight (G. Hann)
27 February 2012
Swans prepare for the off!
It has been challenging keeping track of the Bewick’s over the last few days! After counting just 165 at the morning feed on Swan Lake at the end of last week, we wondered whether some had left on spring migration....until a tip off led swan spotter Ste
23 February 2012
Signs of pre-migratory behaviour
As the days become noticeably longer, the swans at Slimbridge are showing strong signs that they are about to embark on their spring migration back to arctic Russia. (G. Hann) Their days are now spent stretching their
16 February 2012
Grenoble leads the late arrivers!
As the cold snap continues, a steady stream of swans have been heading west at a time of year when they are usually preparing to head east on spring migration! 14 new swans have arrived since the beginning of the month, including pair Grenoble and Gien wh
8 February 2012
Swans ice-skating!
The lake was almost completely frozen today! Words cannot describe this winter wonderland well enough, so here are some photographs by Graham Hann. Enjoy! 189 swans were recorded on the lake today, a mixture of new arrivals that have escaped colder wea
2 February 2012
Roscoff arrives in cold snap
As I sit here trying to warm up, it’s hard to believe that the last entry started with the phrase ‘spring like temperatures’! It’s no wonder that we are consumed by the weather in Britain! The weather is a key factor in influencing the swans behav
1 February 2012
Last few weeks in Britain
Following the return to spring like temperatures, Swan Lake has been relatively calm and tranquil (well, as calm and tranquil as you can get with 175 swans gliding around!), with very few comings and goings. The feeds have been well attended and the field
26 January 2012
Highest count of the winter so far
The fraught hooting and honking gave the game away this morning as I made my way to the hide. Eight new swans were busily establishing themselves on the lake, along with several birds that had returned to the reserve after ‘disappearing’ to other site
17 January 2012