Swans
Bewick's Swan - Our smallest swan. A Winter visitor from Siberia. Reducing in numbers here now sadly. Probably the best place to see them is WWT Slimbridge. A very attractive swan, with softer features than the similar but larger Whooper.
WWT Slimbridge, Gloucs. February
Black Swan - An introduced species from Australia. Not normally classed as a British species but does occasionally breed here and can be seen fairly often on lakes or reservoirs. Unmistakable. I couldn't resist including this distinctive and elegant species.
Taken at WMBC Belvide, Staffs. June and May.
Mute Swan - Our year-round resident swan. Widespread. Our only species with an orange bill. When not in protective breeding mode or hungrily chasing titbits in Winter they are a picture of elegance and serenity.
Whooper Swan - A winter visitor from Iceland. Larger and more numerous than the similarly yellow billed Bewick.
They normally hold their longer necks straighter. WWT Welney & Martin Mere are excellent places to watch them.
WWT Martin Mere, Lancs. February
WWT Welney, Norfolk. December
WWT Martin Mere. February