Latest news with #swan
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Royal swan count on Thames sees numbers resurface after dip
Swan numbers have begun to recover on the Thames, after a couple of years of worrying decline, according to an annual royal survey of swans.A five-day search along the Thames, completed on Friday, found 115 young swans, rather than 86 last year, showing signs that the disappearance of swans could be beginning to be traditional count is called "swan upping", but in recent years it has been more like swan downing, with numbers plunging because of avian flu and human cruelty, including reports of swans being attacked by catapults and air the new figures released by the King's swan marker, David Barber, show a more optimistic picture, after a 45% fall over the past two years. The tradition of swan upping sees six boats sailing from Sunbury Lock in west London to Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire, with the "swan uppers" counting, weighing and giving a health check to young swans found along the annual event has also become a popular spectacle, with crowds gathering along the riverbank in the sunshine to watch the boats go past, with their colourful flags and crews in ceremonial outfits. The fall in swan numbers had threatened to make the classic image of swans on the Thames an increasingly rare the swan uppers have more more positive news about the swan population and will be hoping a corner has been turned. Although it's still down on the 155 counted in the outset of the trip, Mr Barber said he was hoping that avian flu had "eased off", after an impact on the swan population that had been "quite disastrous"."Fortunately, there has been a decrease in reported cases of the disease in the River Thames area in recent months," said the King's swan marker. With a swan's feather in his cap and wearing a scarlet jacket, Mr Barber spoke of the risks to swans nesting on the said their search found swans needing to be cleaned from pollution such as engine oil. Fishing tackle was a longstanding problem and there were attacks from dogs and vandalism from upping dates back to the 12th Century and was once about counting royal property - with the monarch having ownership of unmarked mute swans swimming on open is now more about conservation and education, involving schools along the route and helping to teach young people to respect and protect particular Mr Barber wants to discourage young people from the mistreatment of swans - such as shooting them with catapults, which he says causes terrible figures so far show a more hopeful picture for swans on the Thames. Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis every week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
RSPCA confirms death of swan after horror dog attack at New Islington Marina
The RSPCA has issued a statement and confirmed a swan has died following a horror dog attack at New Islington Marina on Wednesday afternoon (July 16). Emergency crews and the RSPCA were reportedly called out to the incident on the Rochdale Canal involving a dog that was said to have been off its lead, before it savaged a white swan. Video footage shared online showed the swan squealing out in pain as it was being rescued. Witnesses claimed the dog attacked two swans at the marina before the owner left the scene. READ MORE: Rid your home of houseflies with this simple 10-second trick once a day READ MORE: 'I'm turning my back on Stockport County after what they said to me at the ticket office' Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here The charity has now confirmed officials were called to the scene and entered the water to retrieve the bird, near to Miles Platting, which was found with heavy bleeding and was taken for emergency veterinary treatment. Due to the nature of its 'serious' injuries, which included a fractured femur, the swan had to be put to sleep. The RSPCA has issued urgent warnings about dog owners keeping their pets on leads. An RSPCA spokesperson said: 'We attended the location yesterday (16 July) afternoon after we'd been contacted about a swan that had sadly been very badly injured by a dog. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE 'Two of our officers entered the water in dry suits to reach the bird and he was taken immediately to a local veterinary practice. 'The swan was bleeding heavily and was found to have sustained a fractured femur and other serious injuries. The vet who examined him sadly made the decision to put him to sleep to prevent further suffering. 'We know how much people love seeing these birds in their local community, and the loss of this much-loved swan will be very upsetting for people who come to this area. 'It's another stark reminder of the importance of keeping dogs on leads near wildlife, especially at this time of year when many water birds, including swans, will be looking after their offspring. 'Every year RSPCA officers deal with terrible incidents involving dog attacks on swans which could have been so easily avoided had owners been responsible and kept their pets on leads in areas where they know they are likely to encounter wildlife.' --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Swan Mom Gives Her Babies the Most Beautiful ‘Boat' Ride
Swan Mom Gives Her Babies the Most Beautiful 'Boat' Ride originally appeared on PetHelpful. Picture this: a still lake that's beyond peaceful until a swan floats by with her two tiny cygnets riding on her back. Both snuggled in so cozy, they literally emanate comfort and tranquility. Sounds like the greatest rideshare ever, right? If they had swan Uber's that transported humans, I'd be all over that! The drivers wouldn't try to talk to you, they wouldn't blare their weird music, and you could probably pay them in little fish! Sounds like a dream come true! Check out this supermom and her adorable babies: Turns out that nature (yet again) isn't just ridiculously cute, it's amazingly logical. Swans transporting their babies in this way serve all sorts of purposes, including keeping them warm, protecting them in deep water, shielding them from predators, and energy conservation for the little tykes. Viewers, above all, were just stunned by the utter cuteness of this video. One commented, "That's the beauty of mother nature." while another said, "Earth is blessed with magical creatures! So glad to be a part of it."There's something so calming about this video, and even a little amusing. Because yes, it's beautiful and sweet. But it's also very "I've got two clingy babies and no time for drama." She's just quietly getting things done while the world drifts by. She's probably going to hit the grocery store, pick up the dry cleaning, clean the house, and make dinner next! (To be fair, the dad will also carry the young on his back. It's just much more infrequent.) Animal moms are just like us. Doing the most for their kids. Trying to keep everyone dry and alive. I can absolutely empathize. So if today feels like a lot, and you're hauling more than your share, just remember the swan mom. Still floating. Still paddling like crazy. Babies in tow. Probably tired but definitely handling it all! And absolutely looking like a pro while she's doing it! Swan Mom Gives Her Babies the Most Beautiful 'Boat' Ride first appeared on PetHelpful on Jul 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Staggering steel swan sits poised along Highway 169 in Washago
A staggering, steel statue of a wing-spread swan is now poised gracefully along Highway 169 and Muskoka Street in Washago, Ont. (Courtesy Michael Eddy) A staggering, steel statue of a wing-spread swan is now poised gracefully along Highway 169 in Washago. This long-anticipated art piece is the result of years of dedication and fundraising efforts. Spearheaded by Washago Art Club members Jan McKnight, Doug Cooper, and Glenn Hudgin, the 'Swan Project' was inspired by the natural beauty of the area particularly the annual arrival of over 100 swans that winter nearby. Club members say they hope this art piece becomes a memorable landmark for the Wahago community and visitors to the area. Steel statue A staggering, steel statue of a wing-spread swan is now poised gracefully along Highway 169 and Muskoka Street in Washago, Ont. (Courtesy Michael Eddy) Sanctioned at Highway 169 and Muskoka Street, the long brown wings point towards the Wye Marsh which is a subtle nod to the birds' natural habitat. Doug Cooper designed the sculpture, which has been brought to life by local ironworker and sculptor Matt Church. Church has been working on the piece since the fall, constructing the large structure from steel. The complete statue stands approximately eight to 10-feet tall and is elevated on a rock base near the busy Washago intersection. The swan was unveiled on Tuesday following the community parade, which drew several hundred residents and visitors. Among those in attendance were the Warden of the County and the Deputy Mayor of Severn, marking the occasion.
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Swan rescued after being stranded in empty pool in Gedling
A swan that was stranded in a shrinking lagoon during a prolonged dry spell had to be rescued from a country park in swan was pictured in the dry spot in Gedling Country Park after weeks of hot weather caused water levels to Anna Healey, a planning manager from Gedling, was among several residents who rallied together to ensure the bird was kept safe. The 35-year-old said they believed the swan was unable to fly but it was relocated to a patch of water elsewhere on Saturday by an animal rescue centre. She said she was concerned about the impact ongoing warm weather could have on wildlife in the country park."It was a sad view on Friday when I came down and he was just sitting there in the mud," she said. "We believe he was injured last year so he couldn't walk for a while and then he didn't learn to fly so was just left on his own."With the water disappearing, he was just left with nowhere to go. With the dry spell I think we just need to help the animals the best we can."Ms Healey added: "It's not just swans, ducks or the big birds that are impacted, it's also all the other animals; you can see the water snails just lying dead after the water just evaporated." Nick Godsell-Fletcher, who runs his food truck business outside the country park that overlooks the lagoon, said it was "amazing news" that a new home had been found for the 55-year-old, from Sherwood, said: "To watch the pond go down as it has done and to see the swan left on its own - it was heartbreaking."Swans mate for life, so now he can go off and now find a partner, because being there on his own he was never going to find somebody."It would be nice if there was some sort of irrigation system that was put in - the same as the other ponds - because then at least this would have a chance to fill up with what little water there is."
