Dumfries, Scotland: Whooper or Bewicks, .. and in August? (1 Viewer)

M

mikeok

Member

• Aug 13, 2017

• #1

Hello,

This guy showed up today (13 Aug) on the River Nith just a mile south of Dumfries. Based on this location and neck and size, I would have said Whooper, but the rounded yellow patch made me wonder if it's a Bewicks? My other question is, how unusually is it to be here in Dumfries in August? I can upload higher res images if needed.

Thanks for your help as always!

 

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Ratal

Well-known member

• Aug 13, 2017

• #2

Beak and head shape say Whooper Swan for me.

As for the early arrival? The arctic circles having atrocious weather this summer, so maybe a failed breeder. Nice pics and a smart bird to find!

 

ClarkWGriswold

Carpe Carpum

Supporter

• Aug 13, 2017

• #3

I saw one outside of Ullapool at the beginning of May. Must say it was an unexpected sight.

Rich

 

Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

Supporter

• Aug 13, 2017

• #4

It's not too unusual to have Whooper Swans oversummering in Scotland. I also wouldn't say the yellow patch in the bill is particularly rounded but forms a point that extends closer to the bill tip than on Bewick's.

 

A

AlinoVegano

Well-known member

• Aug 13, 2017

• #5

Andrew Whitehouse said:

It's not too unusual to have Whooper Swans oversummering in Scotland. I also wouldn't say the yellow patch in the bill is particularly rounded but forms a point that extends closer to the bill tip than on Bewick's.

Click to expand...

Agreed!

 

IAN JAMES THOMPSON

Well-known member

• Aug 13, 2017

• #6

Andrew Whitehouse said:

It's not too unusual to have Whooper Swans oversummering in Scotland. I also wouldn't say the yellow patch in the bill is particularly rounded but forms a point that extends closer to the bill tip than on Bewick's.

Click to expand...

There's actually a small population in parts of Scotland where the Whooper Swans breed and have nests where they have young.
Ian.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Aug 13, 2017

• #7

One or two Whoopers summered in Northumbs this year as well :t:

 

M

mikeok

Member

• Aug 13, 2017

• #8

Thanks for all the informative replies, always much appreciated!

 

S

stevethehydra

Well-known member

• Aug 14, 2017

• #9

There's also always the chance of a captive-raised Whooper that got out of captivity but never learned to migrate...

 

_pauls

Well-known member

• Aug 14, 2017

• #10

I think there are usually one or two Whoopers all year round at Caerlaverock WWT which is just a couple of miles south of Dumfries.