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| Protecting
Bristol's swan population |
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THIS
STORY LAST UPDATED:
07 May 2002 0935 BST
The
large flocks of swans living within Bristol city docks are an
added dimension to the Harbourside which we often take for granted.
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can often be seen at some of their favourite locations in the
harbour. |
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Visitors could be forgiven for believing that these swans are
self-sufficient within their natural environment.
In fact, they owe their continued existence to the endeavours
of a group known as the Friends of Bristol Swans.
As a registered charity, the group relies upon volunteers to
feed and care for the swans and donations from charity boxes
and small businesses, for its funding.
It costs around £5,000 every year to feed the birds.
Feeding time
Feeding takes place three times a day beside the narrowboat
Excalibur, moored outside the Welsh Back Health Club.
Richard Rankin and Theresa Blosse live aboard the vessel with
their son Noah and take day-to-day responsibility for the swans.
The feed is measured relative to the approximate weight of each
of the swans and adjusted according to the flock size.
However, the origins of the expression ‘pecking order’ are very
obvious at feeding times and some inevitably get more than others.
The swans are unable to feed ‘naturally’ as the Harbourside
has few low level banks where the swans can forage for food
in shallow water.
Their natural diet includes grass, field stubble and aquatic
plants, few of which can be found within the city docks.
Breeding
The harbour has a resident flock of between 50 and 70 Mute swans,
but this swells to around 200 in the winter when other breeds
fly in from the Somerset levels and beyond.
Generally, only one pair of the resident flock breed each year
because of the lack of suitable breeding areas within the floating
harbour.
The cob, or male swan, plays a full part in caring for its brood,
and will rear the young single-handed in the event of the female
dying.
However, he is equally protective of his mate and will drive
the cygnets away when they become old enough to cope alone.
Richard and Theresa rely upon the harbour master, the dock community
and members of the public to inform them when swans become ill
or injured.
Feeding time is also a good opportunity to look for signs of
ill health amongst the flock.
Friends of the Bristol Swans are always looking for new members
and sponsorship.
If you would like to join the society, membership forms are
available alongside Excalibur or Tel. 0117 9254379 .
Or you could help by simply bring your grass cuttings down to
the harbour – swans love them. |
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Protecting
Bristol's swans
