Another day, another swan, another go.
This time, a Whooper at Welney. A beautiful, serene bird.
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Serene?
I remember seeing one being ringed on the Pockinglinton canal in York back in the 1990s, it gave the the 3 person team dealing with it a good run for their money, it was quite a big bird.
A Whooper? Or a mute?
Whooper Richard – the yellow beak, the first time I’d seen one up close – I think it was male – I have a picture of it somewhere – the wings can cause a lot of damage if you get whacked by one. Despite looking so delicate I was impressed especially when the neck is at full extension and its trying to bite you and those enormous wings are flapping. The team manged to it get under control which involved ensuring that the wings could not be extended and keeping the neck from reeling in so the bird did not repeatedly lunge. As soon as the ring was on, the team withdrew in quick stages and the only damage was to the bird’s dignity.
I remember that walk that day because we could hear curlews for the entirety of the walk – the first time I’d heard them – a strange, supernatural sound to my Midland ears (there are no high moors where I am from, it’s mostly woodland).
I stand corrected.
And am amused
Welney rings a lot of Whoopers and there are few such stories.
Thank you for posting, Dr. Murphy.
Swans are such lovely birds!
Thanks
And I am not Dr Murphy, although Jacqueline is. I missed that stage out and went straight to Prof. I could have one by publication, but can’t see the point now.