This is cool - the artificial island next to Docklands Library now has a nesting black swan in residence. I anticipate going "Awwww" at too-cute cygnets soon. Possibly followed by running from an aggrieved parent swan (shades of the PG Wodehouse short story, Jeeves and the Impending Doom!).
This mute swan visited my local patch for a few days, with his mate and a friend. Unfortunately, the resident swans weren't a fan, so all three have now been chased off. I was hoping to be able to provide more details because all three swans were ringed, but all I can say is that he was ringed as a female swan either in Failsworth or Salford Quays and is at least two years old 🤷.
Good morning! Just in from a pleasant walk as the riverside path is finally dry(ish) land again, and the rain has paused. I think the swan is a bit annoyed that the path is back, although tbf they are perpetually grumpy.
EXCLUSIVE: Swan Song, Robert McCammon’s bestselling post-apocalyptic novel, is getting the small-screen treatment. Monarch Media and Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten’s Monster Agency Prod…
Black Swans of New Zealand.
All the babies lined up with volcanic Rangitoto Island in the background, while mum wanders along behind them with Auckland city in the beyond.
Black swans are native to Australia and New Zealand. However, they're present in the UK as a result of being released or escaping from captivity. There is now a very small breeding population in the UK. I couldn't find a population estimate, but there's been a 78% increase in numbers since 1995.
This one arrived on my local patch this week and had quite an effect.
‘Swan Song’ Based On Robert McCammon Novel In Works For Television From Monarch Media; Greg Nicotero To EP & Direct Pilot (deadline.com)
EXCLUSIVE: Swan Song, Robert McCammon’s bestselling post-apocalyptic novel, is getting the small-screen treatment. Monarch Media and Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten’s Monster Agency Prod…