Bewick’s swans arrive in the nick of time ahead of storm
With perfect timing the first Bewick’s arrived at WWT Slimbridge just ahead of Sunday’s severe stormy weather.
Staff discovered the seven swans (5 adults, a yearling and a cygnet) on Sunday morning.
Among the new arrivals was Humbugs who has been the first to reach here for the last three years.
WWT Slimbridge’s Reserve provides a winter sanctuary for thousands of ducks, geese and swans.
The most famous arrivals are the Bewick’s swans which fly 2,500 miles from their breeding grounds in the arctic Tundra to reach here.
They are loyal to their winter sites so the same ones return each year to rest and feed at WWT Slimbridge over the winter months before they head back to their breeding grounds ahead of spring.
The public can see and learn more about the swans at WWT Slimbridge’s wild bird feeds at 4pm each day, which take place in the beautiful setting of the Rushy Lake.
Julia Newth, swan expert at WWT Slimbridge, said:
“They made the most of the calm before the storm by safely arriving here before conditions worsened.
“Flying in storms is dangerous for swans, particularly if the wind is against them.
The swans are known to stall their migration if the weather is unfavourable."
“The next few days look unsettled with unfavourable winds so it is unlikely we’ll see many more unless they are already in the area."
“It is really nice to see Humbugs back again as she clearly likes to stay ahead of the game.”
Humbugs a three-year-old swan first arrived at WWT Slimbridge in 2011 as a yearling. She has yet to partner with a male swan, although last winter she started to show interest in a swan called Fraser.
To find out more about the new arrivals and to follow the migration progress of the Bewick’s swans follow Julia’s swan diary: http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/diaries/bewicks-swan-diary/
