Topic ID 2639
Just witnessed an amazing scene at Mill Bridge this lunchtime. Some poor, hapless souls were quietly enjoying the Spring sunshine in their kayaks on the Lea, when they were threatened by a lone Swan. The Swan had its head back and was paddling towards them at a great rate of knots. It's a long time since I did Biology 'O' level (that dates me..) and I didn't realise that they were so territorial. Is there a nest nearby, perhaps? Should Her Majesty be informed - they all belong to her, don't they?
Reply ID 38036
I've been the subject of an attack swan whilst out riding my bike on the meads, turned a corner and a nest was there complete with two angry adult swans, so probably just protecting their young.
Reply ID 38038
I suspect there must be a nest close at hand, that is usually the reason!
Reply ID 38043
Swans can be quite dangerous for people in Kayaks - I have to agree that the swan is likely to have felt threatened by the kayaks.
Reply ID 38955
Another one - Canoe outside The Barge. Guy ended up in the river. There is a lone Swan which I assume has lost its Partner. (Didn't one die recently?) Arty - on reading again your original post it sounds like it is probably the same one. Seemed a bit terratorial under the bridge apparently.
Reply ID 38960
what a fantastic free show ...he was still there at 5:00 with swan lurking under bridge so he and his other half had to carry their canoes off thru town...it all got even more strange when the man walked down with the duck wrapped up in a blanket..was this laid on as part of the weekend beer fastival!!
Reply ID 38961
sorry for spelling have spent some time in said pub
Reply ID 38962
quote:What bit did you spell wrong? Now am worrying..[:I]
Originally posted by tsr
sorry for spelling have spent some time in said pub
Reply ID 38963
so am I
Reply ID 38966
Good beer fest though (sorry Admin know off topic..)Hic..
Reply ID 38970
I think the so-called lone Swan is actually the male partner of the female sitting on a nest on the other side of the bridge to the barge (where the boat turning circle is). I was concerned a couple of weeks ago as the nest is high up on the grass near the houses and un-protected from hooligan attacks, so spoke to the EHDC animal warden, who can't do anything to help. I go most days to check on said nest (from a distance). I reckon the male is doing a sterling job of defending that which the council cannot! Not being flippant about the canoeist attack, but a Swan will not attacked unless it feels under threat. Sorry didn't mean to imply that hooligans live in the houses by the nest!
Reply ID 38971
quote:
Originally posted by arkwright
I think the so-called lone Swan is actually the male partner of the female sitting on a nest on the other side of the bridge to the barge (where the boat turning circle is). I was concerned a couple of weeks ago as the nest is high up on the grass near the houses and un-protected from hooligan attacks, so spoke to the EHDC animal warden, who can't do anything to help. I go most days to check on said nest (from a distance). I reckon the male is doing a sterling job of defending that which the council cannot! Not being flippant about the canoeist attack, but a Swan will not attacked unless it feels under threat. Folly Bridge or Mill Bridge? I'll keep a look out. It maybe the movement of the Oars or something that caused the attack, with the bird feeling threatened. Hopefully we will see the little signets soon...... Sorry didn't mean to imply that hooligans live in the houses by the nest!
Reply ID 38973
The bridge between the Hertford club and the barge, walk past the platform around to the right under the willow tree. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! It's about 4 metres from the end house who always seem to have a the nearest window open, so hopefully are keeping an eye out! pic from my mobile: http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u96/deeday4414/10-04-07_1708.jpg
Reply ID 38997
quote:I will be keeping my distance believe me. I walk past at least 4 times a day so will keep an eye out.
Originally posted by arkwright
The bridge between the Hertford club and the barge, walk past the platform around to the right under the willow tree. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! It's about 4 metres from the end house who always seem to have a the nearest window open, so hopefully are keeping an eye out! pic from my mobile: http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u96/deeday4414/10-04-07_1708.jpg
Reply ID 39014
They are just protecting their unborn or newly born Cygnets.... They are scarey because they are so large. I saw one attack a small terrier dog once because it was too close to its young. Its a shame the people were attacked, but you cannot blame the poor old swan..
Reply ID 39018
I don't think anyone blames the Swan. A protective father is a fantastic thing to be. I was concerned that the dead Swan was it's mate and that was why the aggression happened. A lot of Narrowboats turn around near the nest so his upset is understandable. Can't wait to see the Cygnets.
Reply ID 39041
Do you think this is the same pair that have been turfed out by the weir, by the builders on the folly? There is not a nest there this year, well, not that I can see one from the weir bridge in Thornton Street. If so the builders have a lot to answer for! wild life struggles at the best of times.
Reply ID 39052
quote:This has been discussed at some length here... [url="http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=1376"]Homeless swans on Folly Island[/url] It was also featured in The Mercury... [url="http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=1376"]Homeless prompt swan nest safety vow[/url]
Originally posted by furrybunny
Do you think this is the same pair that have been turfed out by the weir, by the builders on the folly? There is not a nest there this year, well, not that I can see one from the weir bridge in Thornton Street. If so the builders have a lot to answer for! wild life struggles at the best of times.
Reply ID 39072
Thanks Admin, have read the Homeless swans, but I was just asking whether anyone thought it might have been the same nesting pair?
Reply ID 39132
Could be the same pair. Normally disrupted nest's will not move far as it's familiar territory, food, Etc... Swans incubate eggs for 30-37 days, so I reckon we should see some signets in about 2-3 weeks time. Checked again and mother appears to be doing the job. Dad is certainly protecting the brood well! [^]
Reply ID 39136
Swans in Ware on new river just past john gilpin to amwell have produce 8 little ones. Lets hope the pikes, foxes, buzzards don't get any of them.
Reply ID 39157
Ending on a cheerful note, a M.O.G???? but seriously I hope they all make it!
Reply ID 39172
Well Furrybunny my username M.O.G.??? stands for Moaning Old Git (though only 45) swans doing fine this morning when i looked.
Reply ID 39173
Thank you
Reply ID 40012
Mrs Swan, still OK and sitting happily on nest this evening. Should not be long before the little ones arrive. Anyone looking, please keep a distance as she does need her peace as any Mother, new to motherhood or going through the resulting years. Moorhens nearby under the willow, saw one little chick swimming, Mum still on Nest and Dad bringing food.
Reply ID 40074
Three Moorhen chicks now, and I saw the Swan standing to turn the eggs. The eggs look very dark, and I reckon well overdue to hatch. May not be any signets this year. [:(]
Reply ID 40081
Whats the incubation time? are they overdue?
Reply ID 40090
quote:Checked out loads of Swan websites. No referal to colour but apparently if the don't hatch they just keep trying to hatch them and will not produce again. Let's just all keep an eye out and a distance and work from there. I grew up with nesting Swans but feel a close affinity to this family.
Originally posted by arkwright
Three Moorhen chicks now, and I saw the Swan standing to turn the eggs. The eggs look very dark, and I reckon well overdue to hatch. May not be any signets this year. [:(]
Reply ID 40092
I feel like an expectant parent - waiting - they are such lovely creatures.
Reply ID 40093
Incubation is around 36 days, look at the timespan of this thread, it's not good. The eggs are off white (nearer grey) suggesting that they will not hatch. The female will sit until the eggs rot/break and the pair will not lay again this year unfortunately. Still, fingers crossed. [:(]
Reply ID 40094
Some extra information..... http://www.fairford.org/SwanAid/swan_life_cycle.htm http://www.fairford.org/SwanAid/swan_life_cycle.htm Plus I know how Furrybunny feels............Mrs Duck who nested in our back garden was the cause of much concern so when a dozen or so (they're bloody difficult to count!) hatched we were dead chuffed. Unfortunately Mrs Duck is down to just 3 ducklings now but it looks like these three will make it. They all come up to our door every morning and evening.
Reply ID 40113
They have arrived!! Can't see how many as she is very protective, but saw a little grey head and some broken egg shells!! Bless!
Reply ID 40116
Oh good how nice to hear, keep us informed of how many she has please...........
Reply ID 40129
How wonderful, I am so pleased, funny how the wonder of nature still stirs our protective instinct!
Reply ID 40130
I thought I saw one earlier this evening but wanted to check incase my mind was playing tricks or my eyesight going! It's great news.
Reply ID 40132
Not been in the Barge then??????????/
Reply ID 40135
quote:[?] Can you explain please, I don't understand?
Originally posted by furrybunny
Not been in the Barge then??????????/
Reply ID 40161
I think she has five but from where I can see the nest it looks like there is one unhatched (although I may be wrong). Not sure how long she will give that before they start toddling off. They were out of the nest for a short wander earlier. ***END OF REPORT ***
Reply ID 40170
5 out of six is not bad, well done her.........................
Reply ID 40173
I never thought, when I wrote the original observation about the 'attack,' that this thread would run so long - or that 'Forumers' (is there a collective name?) would be so interested in these marvellous birds. So while I remember, a quick 'thank-you!' to everyone who've contributed, and will no doubt continue to contribute. Just goes to show...
Reply ID 40202
Looked great a few hours ago. Watched from a distance. Mum sat up as if to show them off and then huddled around them again. A wonderful sight.
Reply ID 40472
Any more news on the cygnets??? hopefully they are doing okay!
Reply ID 40478
Was wondering the same. Had a wander and a look for them nowhere to be seen. Do they stay by the nest for a while or tend to all swim off? Hope they are all OK.
Reply ID 40557
Yep, the nest is now empty as they have moved off. They were out of their nest on the second day I think, and wouldn't be surprised if they were out on the water day three (probably safer). Haven't seen the swans nor cygnets at the front of the island for sometime now. (Saw some past the lock towards Ware at the weekend but guess there are probably a large number hatching now, so could be different!) As an aside no doubt the empty nest will get kicked to bits over the coming weeks, but then at least the canoeists will be a bit safer from now on!!
Reply ID 40741
Mum and Babes doing well, still close by. I saw 3 signets today, apperently 4 were seen yesterday.
