We receive frequent calls for various swan-related emergencies, such as swans tangled in fishing hooks, swans making crash landings on roads or in gardens, unwell swans in polluted lakes, and incidents of swans colliding with overhead power cables. WRAS has actively participated in numerous significant swan-related incidents.
Young swans are prone to crash-landing on roads, fields, and residential areas. Every year, WRAS responds to numerous swans that have made crash landings with a thud on roads or fields. Often, the Police request our attendance, only to find that a well-intentioned member of the public has guided the swan back to the nearest river or pond.
Please avoid returning a swan to a river or lake without proper guidance. Although a swan may seem able to walk, it might have crash-landed because of a gunshot or catapult. Such wounds wounds are not always apparent on swans, particularly air gun wounds. They could have injuries to their rib cage or internal organs while still being mobile. It is crucial to seek assistance and advice in such situations. While sometimes it may be safe to assist, it can be challenging to determine without prior experience.
It is a misconception that swans mistake wet roads for rivers when they land on them. Swans can crash-land in various locations, not limited to roads, primarily due to turbulence. Different types of terrain emit varying levels of heat, leading to turbulence. In places like Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne, swans often crash due to turbulence caused by the proximity of different ground types such as housing, roads, fields, lakes, and rivers in combination with the swans flight path. Young swans are unfamiliar with this turbulence, resulting in crash landings.
Swans may experience injuries due to various reasons. It is important to address promptly an injuries where there is exposed bone or parts of the body which have been de-gloved. Some minor injuries and limps swans can recover from – however it is best to seek advice.
Swans often rest one of their legs on their backs, which can be mistaken for an injury by those unfamiliar with this behaviour. This resting position serves mainly for heat exchange and relaxation. Some swans have been observed holding a leg on their back for extended periods, even while swimming or evading other swans.
Limping is a frequent occurrence in swans. It could be due to old age, infections in the joints, or foreign objects lodged in their feet. In some cases, hydrotherapy, such as swimming in a lake or river, can be beneficial for minor limps. If a swan is already in a lake or river, it is advisable to let it stay there and monitor its condition to prevent any worsening of the limp.
As swans age, some may experience arthritis or similar joint conditions. We keep an eye on swans or advise local residents to do so when such conditions arise. Typically, we do not intervene unless it becomes a safety concern. If a swan’s condition deteriorates to the point where it struggles to walk, we consult the Swan Sanctuary for guidance on appropriate treatment.
Iron staining is frequently confused with blood, usually seen on the top and back of the head. This discoloration on the feathers occurs due to the natural iron levels in the water. Swans feeding on vegetation in iron-rich streams in our region can acquire this colouring, which is harmless.
We often receive calls about fishing line hanging out of a swans mouth, when rescuers arrive it sometimes turns out to be a thin strand of weed looking remarkably like fishing line.
Line can sometime become wrapped round the body, legs, wings or neck of a swan preventing from escaping. They can at time display manic behaviour like they are constantly trying to escape something.
Hooks often become embedded in their legs, wings chests, beak and mouths.
Swans with line, elastic bands, plastic etc which is applying pressure to a leg should NOT have the line, band or plastic cut off and the swan just released – these casualties MUST be observed for 24 hours (at least) and checked to ensure that the area beneath where the pressure was applied does not cause pressure necrosis, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Food passing slowly down a swan’s neck can create the appearance of a lump, but observing for 10-15 minutes usually reveals the movement of the lump confirming it is food. These lumps may be mistaken for swellings or abscesses. Grass balls can also form occasionally, visible as a small lump below the lower beak, typically not a cause for concern – rescuers typically don’t intervene unless removal is straightforward. Swans may also have a natural rounded black lump above their upper beak. Any other unusual lumps should be documented with a photo or video and reported to a rescue for guidance.
Swan families may occasionally wander from one location to another, typically covering short distances of less than a couple of mile. While nesting on park ponds, they might traverse along or cross roads to reach their destination. This behaviour is often seen when they seek fresher or better food sources or encounter issues with water quality or levels. They are also known to return to their original location.
If you encounter a family of swans moving along a road, avoid attempting to catch them. Instead, try to guide them towards a driveway or garden where they can be kept safe, and seek assistance. In case swans pose a hazard on a busy main road, contact the Police by dialling 999 for help.
Very unlikely – Swans are powerful birds and are the largest bird in the UK. Unless you are suffering from a condition like brittle bones, are a child, or happen to fall as a result of being hit by a swan, you are very unlikely to break your arm or leg by being hit by a swans wing.
They can give you a nasty bruise, their nails on their toes can scratch skin if you pick them up, their beaks can pinch your skin, but that is about it!
Be aware that swans are very territorial birds especially when they have their young about, a swan will charge down a river or across a lake if they think you are a threat. It is best to keep your movements slow and keep well clear if you are at all concerned about being near a swan.
It is a common question whether bread is harmful to swans. While bread is not necessarily bad for waterfowl, it lacks significant nutritional value for them and should only be a part of a varied diet. It is crucial to avoid feeding them mouldy or stale food. The overfeeding of bread at park ponds and lakes can lead to various issues such as dietary, environmental, parasite, and pest problems. Opt for more nutritious options like peas and sweetcorn when feeding swans. Be cautious and feed only small amounts, especially at park ponds where overfeeding is a concern.
