Time for migration!
The swans are ready! After a week or so of loafing around, the swans are now preparing for migration by stretching their wings and taking short 'practice' flights. This restlessness is thought to be caused by the lengthening days which the swans see as a signal that it's time to migrate. As long-distant migrants breeding at high latitudes, the timing of the Bewick's swans' migratory and reproductive cycles must be closely synchronised because they only have four months in which to breed, moult, develop fat reserves and head back to Europe before the artic winter closes in again.
Whilst day length shapes the broader migration window, weather conditions are important in influencing the swans final departure date, with wind direction being particularly crucial. Last night the wind turned westerly (ideal conditions for spring migration) and there were 20 birds 'missing' from the feed this morning with 251 counted on the reserve. Whether these birds have embarked on their migration or are still in the area remains to be seen. However, with westerlies forecasted for the rest of the week, many swans are expected to leave for Russia so now is the time to come and enjoy them whilst they are still here!
