I did just get as far as the Swan link hide and this cheeky chappie is now a regular there, as you will see he perches on the shelf waiting for some grain. He doesn't move readily even if his space is required!
It was about 2pm and the whooper swans were returning from the surrounding areas for their feed. The light was not good either and the photos were very disappointing.
It is hoped that about 20 electronic tracking devices will be fitted to Whooper swans before February, I think the count is up to 9 so far. Obviously each swan has to be caught, weighed and measured before the device is attached. Not all swans are suitable to carry this device, they have to be of a certain age and weight. Mainly males are used as they tend to be heavier than the females. An average adult female weighs 8 - 9 kgs and the male 10 - 12 kgs. The heaviest recorded male was 14 kg at Caelaverock and was called Stonker!
Once the device has been fitted and the swan has preened its feathers they are quite difficult to see. This swan was quite a distance away and I don't think I would have noticed it if I hadn't known what to look for.
During the afternoon we were entertained by the Southport ensemble. They were really very good especially as some of them were only knee high to a grass hopper, (or is that my age talking?!).
I just love this one, he had to cope with the hat as well as the fiddle!
1 comment:
as ever a lovely set of pictures.. I partictlarly like your landing on number 3!!
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