Black swans in my local park (1 Viewer)

Alan

Member

• Jan 15, 2004

• #1

I went for a stroll in my local park in South West London and much to my surprise on one of the lakes there were a pair of black swans amongst the usual collection of mute swans, ducks, cootes, Canada geese etc. Not surprisingly they were creating a lot of interest. They were slightly smaller than mute swans and had with red beaks with a single white band. I have been visiting this park for 50 years or so and have never seen black swans there before. Does anyone know where they might have come from? Might they have migrated from a colder climate, if so how long might they stay?
Alan

 

B

Bluetail

Senior Moment

• Jan 15, 2004

• #2

Hi Alan

There are actually quite a number of Black Swans knocking around the UK these days. They are all birds that have escaped from collections of capitive birds. Odd pairs are even breeding now.

Jason

 

Michael Frankis

conehead

• Jan 15, 2004

• #3

They're originally from Australia, but got here by escaping from zoos

Michael

 

L

Leif

Well-known member

• Jan 15, 2004

• #4

There are also some at Stockers Lake to the north west of London. They have been there for years so presumably do not migrate or move around.

 

pduxon

Quacked up Member

• Jan 16, 2004

• #5

There was a pair at Audley End which did breed. There has been one hanging about Hatfield Forest (nr Audley End) from time to time

 

Last edited: Jan 16, 2004

Edward

Umimmak

• Jan 16, 2004

• #6

pduxon said:

There was a pair at Audley End which did breed (saw the Goslings!!).

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Swans producing goslings!! It's a miracle of science! ;-)

E

 

pduxon

Quacked up Member

• Jan 16, 2004

• #7

Edward said:

Swans producing goslings!! It's a miracle of science! ;-)

E

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Rats !!!!! I'll be chucked out of the birders union for that!!

I looked at it and thought is that right. I'm putting it down to thinking of the geese I'm hoping to see in Norfolk this weekend!!

 

Richard Ford

BF Member

• Jan 17, 2004

• #8

There is a pair breeding regularly in West Sussex for several years now, so who knows where the juveniles go each year. I have seen free flying birds near reading in berks.

Rich

 

Michael Frankis

conehead

• Jan 17, 2004

• #9

Richard Ford said:

I have seen free flying birds near reading in berks.

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Hi Rich,

Wondering what you mean by 'near reading' - does that mean they have learnt the alphabet, but can't quite cope with understanding whole words yet?




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