When we were at Welney WWT last winter we were lucky enough to see some of the Whooper Swans that had been fitted with a satellite tagging device to track their migration.
Have just been looking at the website http://whooper.wwt.org.uk/whooper to see how many have returned and it would appear that they are sitting tight in Iceland at the moment due to the weather conditions.
If anybody is interested in following the migration on google earth the above link should take you there, or visit the main WWT website and then follow the link for Super Whoopers.
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag" Mary Poppins
Interesting! Thanks for the link ND!
There apparently was a whooper that dropped in for a couple of days recently at my local reserve (Venus Pool) but I didn't see it!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Fabulous shot ND
I have never seen any type of Swan with a satalite before - looks a bit odd
Only read mute Swan rings on my local Bedford patch - no technology there LOL
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Nicki C said: Only read mute Swan rings on my local Bedford patch - no technology there LOL Regards Kathy and Dave
I agree they do look a bit odd swimming about with this aerial sticking out of their backs (actually a little harness).
They look almost like they are remote controlled, I was deperate to find out where you operated them from, could have had a great game of 'Battle Swans' with the children:-)
There are a few whooper swans around here so I'm sure it won't be long before they are back in your area. Haven't seen them myself yet but I have been told they are now in the area.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
No signs of movement of any of the tagged birds yet, although small numbers have been reported over vaious sites in Norfolk over the last few days.
The Whoopers have started to return:-
http://whooper.wwt.org.uk/whooper
Some good information on the migration route and how fast they fly, Iceland to Scotland in 14 hours.......not bad.
Love the name of the first arrival - Supersonic Bill. Wonder how much of a surprise his speedy arrival was for the trackers!
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Have just read the latest update, the information really helps you look at these birds as individual, able to see who has returned and how many cygnets they have fledged and brought back with them.
I particularly like the story of the bird that flew 10 miles out to sea then decided not to bother so flew back to Iceland!
I have to admit that amused me no end. Clearly a bird with a mind of its own. "Tried that, didn't like it".