Bewick's Swan - Cygnus columbianus bewickii
Every autumn, Bewick’s Swans face a dangerous migration to the UK from northern Russia. Along their 3,500km route between the breeding and wintering sites there are predators, fewer wetlands and the risk of hitting power lines, but if they don’t migrate, they will be caught in the ice and snow of the arctic winter. In spring, they do it all again as they fly back to Russia.
This ringed Bewick's Swan was seen at the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre in Gloucestershire today. It will stay here for the winter.
Bewick's Swan - Cygnus columbianus bewickii
Every autumn, Bewick’s Swans face a dangerous migration to the UK from northern Russia. Along their 3,500km route between the breeding and wintering sites there are predators, fewer wetlands and the risk of hitting power lines, but if they don’t migrate, they will be caught in the ice and snow of the arctic winter. In spring, they do it all again as they fly back to Russia.
This ringed Bewick's Swan was seen at the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre in Gloucestershire today. It will stay here for the winter.