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Swan

RekusuRekusu Posts: 125
in Wildlife gardening
Ho Ho Ho one and all,

Not exactly a domestic wildlife issue, more a out and about wildlife question.

I have seen swans both landing and taking off; for the later, they usually require quite a long open stretch of water with plenty of clearance to gain height.

Our local pond, not particularly large, has houses on one side, a  road with trees on the other and not what I would class as a suitable take-off area.  But recently a pair of swans have landed.

I don't imagine they are stupid in choosing a landing site, but it does interest (concern?) me how they will take off and gain height. 

Any thoughts gratefully appreciated.

Thanks and toodle pip


Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    The weather/climate change does sometimes produce some challenges for our wildlife.
    Have you considered contacting The Wildfowl Trust or local RSPB or Wildlife Trust ?
    If the Swans are an unusual occurrence in your locality, they may well be interested to hear about them and offer help if deemed necessary.
  • RekusuRekusu Posts: 125
    edited December 2023
    Good idea and thanks for the suggestion.  Will be driving past tomorrow and will look if they are still there.  If so, I may call one of the listed organisations.

    If they were clued up enough to cross the road, they would get to a grassy area that wind direction permitting, they may be able to take off, but again, whilst sufficiently large, it is surrounded by trees.

    Am only concerned because we had an 'interesting' encounter with a swan a few days ago.  Walking on a public footpath through a local, extremely expensive golf club with extensive lakes.  heard the familiar whoomp, whoomp whoomp of a swan taking off.  Turned to have a look and sure  enough, straight into the wind, straight at us and cleared our heads by what felt like about ten feet.  Quite amazing; but there is plenty of open space for it to gain speed and height.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    They probably landed on the field. We get some winter visitors and they might land somewhere like you have found then move on after a rest, to more popular wintering grounds with others.
    https://swanlifeline.uk/faqs

    Also in the link it says they can confuse wet roads with rivers.
    Hope the link helps.

    Love that you got a close up flyover :)
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