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Bewick Swans near the River Bann (1 Viewer)

ohlookabirdie

love the birds!!!
Northern Ireland
I counted 64 Bewick Swans in a field near the River Bann, but when I got on my bike ot go a bit further I found it to have a Flat tyre!!
It wasn't a complete loss, the Bewick Swans are now my latest lifer, and i also seen a few pied wagtails, 3 Magpies, some jackdaws and carrion crows
 
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Whooper swans are quite big, approaching the size of a Mute Swan. However, size can be difficult to ascertain at longish range. Look at the bill. On the Whooper Swan, the yellow always extends at least to the nostril and often in front of it and ends in a sharp point which makes the bill look bigger/longer and more pointed generally than it really is. On the Bewick's, the yellow on the side of the bill ends in a squarer shape and is therefore of a blunt impression(the yellow bit) and the yellow is nowhere near the nostril on the side. Overall, the Bewick's is a much more daintier bird. Hope this helps.

On another note, if there are that many birds there, some many be carrying plastic leg rings. Sometimes, these shown when they are swimming and can be read. If they get out of the water and the vegetation is short, you will be able to see these easily. Note any if you can and also the colour of the ring - probably yellow.
 
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