May 2011 - WWT Slimbridge (part 2) - Swans

Wednesday 4th May: So, part 2, the Swans. Most of these are captive birds, the exceptions being the Bewick, Whooper and Mute Swans, the later, of which as in most areas, are resident year round. I didn't see any Whooper Swans (too late in the year, most would have flown back to their summer breeding grounds), but there were still two Bewick's Swans (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) resident. What a fabulous Swan they are! Sir Peter Scott, who founded Slimbridge noted that the same Bewicks were returning year after year and one in particular, kept returning to Slimbridge for 23 consecutive years! They will fly the 2,500 miles from Siberian tundra to western Europe and the Far East for the Winter. Bewick's Swans all have individual beak markings and this is how to distinguish individuals apart.

Bewick Swans

The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is native to Australia. Most are kept in collections within this country and it is likely to turn up almost anywhere in the UK as an escapee. Here in Yorkshire the other year, I encountered 4 on the local lake! Only the one seen here in Slimbridge. Smaller than a Mute Swan, they will latch onto a flock for company.

 Black Swan

The Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) is the largest waterfowl native to South America. Unusual to look at and like the Black and Mute Swans, mostly silent. Occurs mostly in Chile, Patagonia and the Falkland Islands,. It will migrate to warmer climes like Brazil during the Southern winter.

 Black-necked Swan

The smallest of swans, the Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) is a native of South America and a frequent visitor to the Falkland Islands.

Coscoroba Swan

The largest of North American waterfowl and the largest of waterfowl on Earth, the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) is resident throughout much of its range in the US, but migratory in other parts. Its was reduced to near extinction by the early 20th century, but it is relatively common today. Considered to be a relative of the Whooper Swan. Standing just a few feet from this Swan, it truly is a large creature!

Trumpeter Swans