'Can I sleep here, Mum?' Wonderful photograph captures the moment a cute baby swan shuns its nest and decides to rest on its mother's back

By ROB PREECE

Rise and shine: The cute cygnet looked perfectly content waking up on its mother's back

Many parents will admit it can be difficult to put their little ones to bed at times.
And judging by this wonderful photograph, it seems baby swans are no exception.
A little cygnet decided not to sleep in the nest its mother made for it, and opted to rest on her instead.
The cute cygnet is only weeks old but already seems very relaxed about life, looking perfectly content waking up on its mother's back.
Chris Wilson, 47, took the picture at a small lake in Kingsteignton, Devon.
He was working on his allotment when he spotted the birds resting nearby and immediately grabbed his camera.

Safe from harm: The birds have built a nest on a small island which keeps them away from predators

The swans built a nest on a small island which keeps them safe from predators.
They share the island with a nesting mallard and a pair of geese.
Despite capturing an adorable moment shared by a mother and her young, Mr Wilson was modest about his picture.
He said: 'I think the shot shows a pair of birds very relaxed and content with their company. That's about it.'

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Bet he's ruffled a few feathers... Black swan stands out after gatecrashing group of 600 white ones at ancient swannery

By NICK ENOCH

The jet black swan has arrived at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset and set up home with the resident 600 mute swans - which are all white

This new arrival at an ancient swannery is hoping to stand out from the crowd.
The jet black swan has mysteriously arrived - without an invitation - at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset and set up home with the resident 600 mute swans, which are all white.
Visitors to the 1,000-year-old attraction have been easily able to spot the large black bird that sticks out like a sore thumb.
But if the newcomer is hoping to make friends with the native swans then it is going the wrong way about it as it is aggressive and dominant by nature.
The black swan - Cygnus atratus - is native to Australia and not indigenous to the UK. But over the last 20 years, they have been imported here and put in private herds. As their numbers have expanded, the odd one or two have escaped from captivity or been released, which is illegal in the UK.

If the uninvited newcomer is hoping to make friends with the native swans then it is going the wrong way about it as it is aggressive and dominant by nature

Black swans are known to kill their young and this specimen’s arrival at Abbotsbury couldn’t have come at a worse time as it is in the middle of the hatching season there. Staff have vowed to catch the interloper and find it a new home if it looks like it will pose a threat to the baby swans.
They are also on the lookout for a second black swan as a breeding pair could cause havoc with Britain’s wildlife and environment.
Steve Graves, the deputy swanherd, said: 'Black swans were brought over from Australia after they were discovered but they have mainly been kept in captivity.

The black swan - Cygnus atratus - is native to Australia and not indigenous to the UK

'But in the last 20 years, their numbers in the wild have grown after they have escaped or been released and have started breeding.
'The mute swans are avoiding the new arrival. Though the black swan is smaller, they are dominant and aggressive.
'They out-compete the mute swans and have been known to kill their young. If we were having problems, we would catch the black swans and find them new homes.
'Black swans aren’t allowed to be in the wild. If this pair had eggs, we would have to seize them and cage them and prevent them from flying away.'

Staff have vowed to catch the interloper and find it a new home if it looks like it will pose a threat to the baby swans

Abbotsbury Swannery has been tending the native species - Cygnus olor in Latin - since the 11th century.
Documents recording the hatchings go back to 1393, while swans have been herded there for 1,000 years.
Unlike most swans, these are not owned by the Queen as they were sold by Henry VIII to the Earls of Abbotsbury.
Traditionally, the first swan of the year hatching at Abbotsbury marks the beginning of summer.

Abbotsbury Swannery has been tending the native species - Cygnus olor in Latin - since the 11th century. Seen here in 1936

Abbotsbury Swannery has been tending the native species - Cygnus olor in Latin - since the 11th century.
Documents recording the hatchings go back to 1393, while swans have been herded there for 1,000 years.
Unlike most swans, these are not owned by the Queen as they were sold by Henry VIII to the Earls of Abbotsbury.
Traditionally, the first swan of the year hatching at Abbotsbury marks the beginning of summer.



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Six swans found decapitated and butchered for their breast meat in city park

By LEON WATSON

Police believe the six swans found decapitated at Alvaston Park in Derbyshire were hunted for their breast meat (file picture)

Six swans have been decapitated and butchered for their breast meat, it was revealed today.
The royally protected birds were found by rangers at Alvaston Park in Derbyshire last week. Police believe they were killed for food.
Patrols are being stepped up to protect other swans which legally belong to the Queen, with offenders caught harming them facing a £5,000 fine or six months jail.

Derbyshire Police said anglers at the lake have also reported people catching, killing and barbecuing carp - a fish not traditionally eaten in Britain and one which is also afforded protected status.
Now the authorities are urging people who use the park to help them catch those responsible by reporting anyone acting suspiciously around the lake.
PC Andy Sudbury, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We believe the swans are being targeted because, unlike ducks, their size means they are easier to grab by the neck.

source :dailymail

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Pick on someone your own size! Stag leaps into river after turning on SWAN

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Minding his own business: This unsuspecting swan was gliding along on a stream through Bushy Park when it got caught in the middle of two rutting stags

This is the dramatic moment an unsuspecting swan is attacked by a stag in extraordinary scenes along a quiet London riverbed.

As the tranquil swan gently moved along a stream through Bushy Park, in Richmond, either side of the water two male stags were preparing to clash.

It is the second attack by rutting stags in a matter of days in the park after a woman was chased and left 'badly shaken' as she watched a mating ritual.


Beauty and the beast: The rutting stag advances on the swan in Bushy Park -onlookers were stunned at the extraordinary scenes

Amazingly in this latest stag attack the swan managed to make a miraculous escape ducking out of the way, with just moments to spare, as the two stags crashed into each other with full force.


Innocent victim: The swan was scooped up by the stag, in scenes captured by photographer Robert Piper, and driven over to the other side of the bank

Both extraordinary scenes were captured by keen photographer Robert Piper, 55.
Speaking about the swan incident, he said: 'That area of the park was very busy at the time - there were families picnicking on the banks of the stream just a few yards away.


Lucky escape: The swan just manages to fly away from the rutting stags, who desperately want to lock horns


Escape route: The swan dives under the water as the stag looks on, amazingly neither creature was injured

'It’s important to remind park visitors that deer are wild animals and must be treated with caution. It’s dangerous to approach the deer at any time of year, but especially between September and November, when the males are rutting.
'Signs throughout the park warn that caution is necessary.'


Giving chase: The scene in Bushy Park on September 23 as a stag chases a woman, getting close enough to lift her jacket with its horns

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Swanning around on the river: Intimate photos show the Queen’s birds looking after their young cygnets

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Mum's the word: The fluffy grey cygnets take refuge under their mother's wings

Graceful and elegant, the majestic swan has come to symbolise the very monarch that protects it.

The Queen's birds are the epitome of nobility as they glide through water, their heads held high on the end of their long and resplendently-curved necks.

However here, in these astonishingly intimate photographs captured by semi-professional photographer Grant Auton, the secret life of swans is laid bare.

A touching and heart-warming side to the resplendent swan is revealed as two parents lovingly care for their cygnets.



Peek-a-boo: A tiny chick pops out of its mother's plumage in a remarkably intimate portrait of the secret life of swans


Grant took the pictures near his home in Andover, in Hampshire, and the images give a unique insight into the moment the graceful birds rarely allow humans to see.

The 47-year-old was given special access to the swans at Rooksbury Mill nature reserve, near his home, over a number of days allowing him to form a bond with the birds who then let him see them when they'd normally hide away.



Ripple effect: As the adult swan twists its long neck to clean under its feathers, its young copies the move


Grant, who was a sales director at a barcoding company until January, says the beautiful birds have always held a fascination for him.

He said: 'I love watching swans, they're so graceful. I've tried to encapsulate a special moment with them.

'So much wildlife photography is just a snap, I wanted to get an intimate moment with them.



Rear view: The graceful swan is shown in all its glory as it glides through the water, barely causing a ripple


'It's really great being able to see these wonderful moments they share.' Grant feels watching the swans is the perfect way to unwind after a hard day at work, and will continue to head down to the park as often as he can.

'My photography is my get away. Heading down to the quietness of the lake is the perfect way to unwind, it's the perfect tonic after work.'


source: dailymail

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Better check your wing mirrors: Swan brings traffic to a standstill on busy motorway

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Why did the swan cross the road? The bird held up traffic near junction 3 of the M4 motorway, west London


Drivers who checked their wing mirrors on the M4 motorway this morning got quite a shock... as a swan calmly waddled across the road.

As traffic crawled along junction 3 at Hayes, west London, the bird even paused halfway across and extended its wings to slow the approach of an oncoming lorry.

Luckily for the swan, there already appeared to be a tailback on the road, which is close to Heathrow, so there was no danger of a high-speed collision.


You looking at me? The swan seemed unfazed by all the attention


And to help the confused pedestrian on its way, a man was seen escorting it across the hard shoulder to safety.

This swan is just the latest in a long line of rogue animals to cause havoc on our roads.

In June last year, runaway cows were sighted, also on the M4, leading to hours of delay.

And in 2009, a herd of pigs escaped onto a motorway in Essex after the lorry carrying them crashed.


Helping hand: A man makes sure the swan reaches safety on the other side


Don't get in a flap: The bird lives to tell the tale


source: dailymail

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Swanning around in the road: Feathered family stop the traffic after taking a rest on the Tarmac

Swanning along: This family of swans crossed the B4148 in the Erdington area of Birmingham when they decided to move from a nature reserve to the public park


Busy city dual carriageway brought to a standstill

Birds eventually lifted out of the traffic as drivers get angry


How does the swan cross the dual carriageway? Answer: very, very carefully and very, very slowly.

This family of swans brought traffic to a standstill when they decided to take a short cut across a main city centre road.

And despite wellwishers trying to lure mum, dad and their five cygnets across the busy road to safety they steadfastly refused to budge halfway into their crossing, sparking traffic mayhem.


Move along please: Well wishers try to move the birds along as cars snarl up on the daul carriageway at Erdington in Birmingham


The fluffy family made their way across the busy B4148 after they decided to relocate from Plantsbrook Nature Reserve to Pype Hayes Park.

But instead of making a beeline for their new home they stopped on the tarmac several times before moving on to the central reservation at Eachelhurst Road.

It was only after they had kept the traffic waiting for them to waddle on that passers-by were forced to take matters into their own hands.


Right wait here, I'll be back: The family stop mid crossing slap by the white lines in the middle of the road on the B4148 in Birmingham


Sandra Lee, 63, and her husband Michael, 71, of Erdington, Birmingham, tried to lure the birds across the road with bread and said drivers became frustrated and annoyed by the mounting delay.

Traffic was at a standstill on both lanes for more than ten minutes while the birds were encouraged to move.

Sandra said: 'We discovered the swans on the edge of the pavement. At first it looked like just the two of them but when the mother moved slightly, the babies came out from under her feathers.


Need a hand? The birds are moved by well wishers after they stop traffic as they tried to cross the busy dual carriageway in Erdington, Birmingham


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Ride a white swan: Cygnets take the dry option and hitch a lift on Mum's back

By LOUISE ECCLES

Hitching a ride: The pair of cygnets snuggle themselves into their mother's feathers as they ride along the water at Abbotsbury Swannery


They should take to swimming like, er, a duck to water.

But why bother when you can ride the Mummy Express instead?

These fluffy cygnets opted for the drier – and lazier – option during a family outing in the sun.


A mother's love: The swan uses her beak to tend gently to her cygnet ahead of it's journey


Photographer David Parker said: 'Their mum seemed to be teaching them to swim at first but they soon tired and decided to hitch a ride. They were certainly travelling in style.'

Many cygnets have arrived earlier than usual in the UK this year because of the warm weather.

At Abbotsbury Swannery, on Chesil Beach, Dorset – where this family was pictured – more than 120 pairs of nesting swans have already hatched their cygnets.


All aboard: The two cygnets take their seats in the Mummy Express during their drier - and lazier - outing in the sun


First class travel: The mother swan uses part of her wing to assure that the cygnet is securely in place


Cute: These cygnets are part of the offspring of more than 120 pairs of swans at the swannery in Dorset


The first arrived almost two weeks earlier than usual.

The Benedictine monks who owned the swannery until the 1540s apparently believed the arrival of the first cygnet signalled the first day of summer.

And aptly the first cygnet to arrive this year was named 'Sunny' by swannery staff.


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Police hunt for sick yobs who shot dead family of eight swans they used for live target practice

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Cruelty: The adult swans and their adorable six cygnets, pictured two days before their death, were shot dead in the neck and chest


Police are hunting a 'sick' gunman who shot dead a family of eight swans in a horrific attack at a lakeside beauty spot.

The family of two adult swans and six two-week-old cygnets were shot in the chest and neck by a yob who picked the birds off with an air rifle.

They were found floating in a lake at the picturesque Ford Green Nature Reserve in Smallthorne, Staffs.


Sick: An x-ray shows a pellet found inside the body of a swan gunned down by a yob who police have yet to find


Police and RSPCA were called and were forced to call in the fire service to remove the swans from the lake, as horrified onlookers watched in tears.

A reward of £350 has now been put up for anyone who can help find the killer of the swans, who were discovered with air rifle pellets in their bodies.

They were taken to an RSPCA centre where X-rays revealed numerous air rifle pellets had been blasted in the necks and chests of the swans.

RSPCA Inspector John Groarke attended the scene and said he was horrified at the 'appalling' attacks.

He said: 'We are horrified that anyone could use an air gun and shoot an entire family of swans.


Shocking: Another x-ray shows two more air rifle pellets lodged in the body of a swan


Paul Reed, chairman of Smallthorne Residents' Association said the killings were 'atrocious' and branded the criminals 'sick'.

He wants CCTV installed on the site and is offering a reward of £250 on behalf of the residents' association to anyone with information leading to the capture of the criminals.

'A patrol attended and the RSPCA was called. The swans were retrieved and then taken to an RSPCA centre to establish the cause of death.'


Atrocious: The swan family were taken out by a sniper at the picturesque Ford Green nature Reserve in Staffordshire


source: dailymail

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The swan who has fallen in love… with a tractor

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

The eight-year-old swan, called Schwani, has become very attached to a tractor


At least they can both claim to be outdoorsy types.

This swan appeared to be thinking outside the pond when it came to finding a soulmate - and fell for a shining blue tractor.

In the grounds of a hotel in Germany, an eight-year-old swan called Schwani has become somewhat infatuated with a farmyard machine.


Every time the tractor's engine roars into life, the swan, who lives in the grounds of a hotel in Germany, waddles over to say hello


The hotelier, Herman Josef Hericks, says Schwani just can't get enough of his mechanical companion - every time the tractor's engine roars into life, the swan waddles over to say hello.

Some have reasoned that it may be because Schwani was exposed to loud machines from a young age.

Mr Hericks told told the German newspaper Bild: 'Ever since we bought the tractor three years ago, Schwani has been following it everywhere it goes.'

There must be something in the water in the German region - a few years ago a female called Petra reportedly fell in love with a pedalo shaped like a swan.




source: dailymail

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Village divided in row over bird-lover who feeds flock of 250 swans

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Feeding time: Hundreds of swans congregate by the River Stour estuary at Mistley waiting to be given their rations of grain by social worker Alex Smith


Swans have lived in Mistley since the 17th century, feeding on barley that blew off barges on the River Stour estuary.

The Essex village’s history is so intertwined with the birds that swans feature on the village sign, the primary school’s logo and the rugby club’s crest. But the vast number of wild swans that swarm around Mistley has caused a bitter division.

There are around 250 in the village, largely thanks to the efforts of resident Alex Smith, who feeds them grain several times a day. Social worker Mrs Smith insists they enhance the area and are a draw for tourists.


Row: Alex Smith feeds 250 wild swans every day - but the locals are kicking up a stink


But many villagers have reached the end of their tether.

They claim the swans are dangerous because they wander into the road, and pose a health threat because of the huge amount of droppings they leave on the village green.

They say the birds harass people because they are used to being fed.

Mrs Smith, 67, who lives alone and is thought to be divorced, said: ‘People say quite abusive things. It is ridiculous at times but I just carry on and do it for the swans.’


Target of abuse: Mrs Smith feeding her beloved wild swans yesterday


Mistley resident Angela Kilmartin said: 'Feeling in the village is running very high against the despoliation of a known beauty spot.

'This is not a designated swan centre, it is a public highway, footpath, beach and greensward, and people passing by in cars and on foot need to take great care to avoid damage to themselves or any of the swans, because numbers are now so great and the swans are dirty and not easily seen.

'This is not a few pieces of bread thrown in the water, she feeds them three times a day, on the quay, on the foreshore, and on the green with sacks of grain, despite being asked by the parish council, the district council and animal organisations to stop.’


Bird lover: Mrs Smith claims she is verbally abused while feeding near Mistley, Essex


The argument in Mistley has flared up - even though swans have been in the village for hundreds of years


Richard Ling, clerk to Mistley Parish Council, said the greensward was 'virtually impossible to walk on' because of the swan mess.

He said: 'I hope it doesn't come down to an Asbo but it is one of the options we will have to consider.'

Mrs Smith, who set up her own charity called Swan Watch, was taken to court in 2008 but was cleared by a judge of overfeeding.

Despite her court victory she still faces daily abuse and snide comments from villagers but she has vowed to continue feeding the regal flock.


source: dailymail

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Only surviving swan shot by sniper in Somerset slaughter finds a lovebird

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Lovebirds: Solo, right, and her new mate, who she found within hours of being released back into the wild


A swan who survived after being shot in a mass slaughter of birds on the Somerset Levels earlier this year has found love.

Within hours of being released into a private lake, the female swan, named Solo, found a mate on the water.

The bird was nursed back to health by Secret World Wildlife Rescue in Somerset before being given a new home in the wild at a secret location and now appears to be in good health after several weeks of recovery.

Solo is the sole survivor of a month-long airgun killing spree that left over forty of the majestic animals dead.

She was found lying wounded with eight dead swans, shot in the head with airgun pellets, in a field outside Blackford in the Wedmore area of Somerset at the end of January.

Further carcasses were found in nearby Westham and Godney.

A spokeswoman from Secret World said: 'We are delighted to have such a happy ending to a distressing story and we hope Solo will find happiness with her new mate.'

Three men, aged 34, 37, and 45, have been arrested and bailed in connection with the shootings as police continue their investigation.


Happy ending: Solo, left, is the sole survivor of a month-long airgun killing spree that left over forty swans dead


Best-selling author Terry Pratchett had offered £10,000 to catch swan killers earlier this month - doubling the previous reward on offer for information.

Pratchett, 62, said: 'Nobody understands why this is happening. I'm at a loss, but I certainly don't think someone should be walking around shooting swans.

'I phoned up this morning and said "this is terrible", I was absolutely incensed. They are protected birds and have been for many years.

'I just don't understand the mentality. I can't see them (swans) doing much harm, and why someone would go and shoot them I have no idea.'


source: dailymail

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A white swan swims in its enclosure at the Moscow Zoo

A white swan swims in its enclosure at the Moscow Zoo on November 18, 2010.


A white swan swims in its enclosure at the Moscow Zoo on November 18, 2010.


source: Daylife
photo: Gettyimages

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Anarchy on the waterways: Evicted swan 'Hissing Sid' makes 40-mile journey back to his old stomping ground

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Scourge of the water: Hissing Sid, his partner Nancy and their cygnets are pictured on the River Chelmer, in Essex, shortly before their eviction


An aggressive swan who was relocated from his river for attacking passing canoists may have had the last laugh by flying almost 40 miles back to his favourite spot.

The vicious bird, nicknamed Hissing Sid, was given his marching orders from the River Chelmer in Chelmsford, Essex, last month after he almost drowned a 13-year-old girl in a canoe.

Hissing Sid, his mate Nancy and their cygnets were rounded up and driven to a quiet lake at Gallows Hill Quarry in Suffolk. But the family appeared to have flown back.

Jean Groom, spotted Hissing Sid back in Central Park during a visit with her three-year-old grandson.

She said: 'I know a lot of people felt sad about them being moved.
'But passing the lake with my three-year-old grandson, to my amazement and delight they had returned.

'Thinking maybe a different pair had made their home, cygnets also followed and joined us at the bank. It was the very same family.'

Sid is thought to have lived on the River Chelmer for more than 25 years with his mate Nancy but over recent years the cob has been blamed for attacking canoists and walkers.

The Chelmsford Canoe Club said members tried to keep out of the 22lb swan’s way but he would launch attacks on a daily basis, knocking away their paddles with his powerful 7ft wing span and pecking holes in their boats.

In March this year, Sid was blamed for capsizing a 13-year-old girl and trying to drown her.


Aggressive: Hissing Sid struggles as he is prepared for his trip


Moving on: The family are shown trussed up in bags before making their journey to Gallows Hill Quarry, in Suffolk


The canoe club sought special permission from the Queen’s Swan Marker and Natural England to move Sid and his family to a remote quarry lake away from people.

A team of six canoeists formed a barrier across the river to round up Hissing Sid, Nancy and their cygnets, before they were caught and placed in special bags to stop them flapping their wings to escape.

The move caused a flap among nature lovers who accused of the canoe club of 'stealing' the swans and being inhumane.

Clarence Milne from Basildon, said: 'They have more right to live on the water than people do carrying out their hobbies on it.'

Janet de-Bie from Witham added: 'The canoeists had the choice of using another stretch of the river when the swans had cygnets, but chose not to, how selfish.

'The swans must have been terrified as they were chased, captured then taken to the quarry. In my view that’s cruel , and was that legal to remove the Queen’s swans?
'I know what I and many other people would prefer to see on the river Chelmer and it is not canoeists.'

Sid, Nancy and their brood were driven almost 40 miles over the border to Suffolk where they were released. But it appears the Asbo family has decided to fly back to Essex.

Erica Howe, a spokeswoman for the RSPB said: 'Mute swans are very territorial creatures with just a single pair often found on smaller lakes.

'As is often the way with wild birds, they have long flight paths and are used to flying a fair distance for food. It seems likely that this swan could have made its way back to it’s former home in Essex, especially if it has been breeding there for a number of years.'

Alan Roscoe, a wildlife expert from Writtle College in Chelmsford, said it was 'possible' Hissing Sid and his family had returned to their former home but it could have been another colony who moved in.

A spokesman for Lafarge Quarries which owns the lake were Sid was moved to said they did not know if he had gone because they still had a large number of swans there.
She added: 'The only way to know for sure that Sid is back is if there are new reports of attacks.'


Hissing Sid and his family have travelled almost 40 miles from Gallows Hill Quarry, in Suffolk, back to their original home in the River Chelmer, Essex


source: dailymail

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