Mute Swans (Cygnus olor )

We have certainly hit the right time of year for blossom and new life in the waterfowl.  There have been numerous clutches of Mallard ducklings following Mum about.  The larger wildfowl incubate for longer so as yet no goslings or cygnets.  We have however passed a good number of both Canada Geese on nests and Swans.

This couple seemed to be still in the process of completing the nest to their satisfaction. It is possible she was on eggs as birds commonly add material to nests after starting to lay.  Something I enjoy about the canals is seeing so many rung swans.  There is still much to learn about birds, where they go, and what they do.  Rings are the traditional way but normally only supply information when the bird is found dead or caught by another ringer.  Swan (and some larger birds) are an exception. Darvic rings are coloured and can be read from a distance, sometimes without optical aids.  A simple website allows you to supply the ringer information about your sighting and in return, you are told things such as where and when the bird was rung etc. See extra for an example.