SWAN notes
THE hedgehogs have kept us all busy for the last few weeks and this has had the added bonus of being able to keep all our volunteers busy during the normally quiet winter time.
During a lull in the ever constant rain we managed to release seven of the nine swans we have had with us for some time. They were all due for release at Christmas but the river was running far too high and fast to attempt it. The swans had been on our nice still pond and it would not have been fair to put them out onto such a strong flowing Tweed.
They went away very well once the river was its normal self again, as always they love the space and quantity of water on a river and love to have a thorough bathe before checking out their surroundings.
This is the time when we begin to have the weaker of last year’s cygnets brought in. The cobs begin to keep their territory clear of other swans and ducks etc. and this includes their offspring from last year if they are still hanging around. We collected one such bird from the road near Foulden after dad had chucked him off the lake and told him to make his own way in the world and stop relying on his parents. He is quite a healthy bird although underweight so he’s in for a bit of R & R with a full food bucket every day.
Another swan but an older one was brought to us by the RSPCA it has a sore left leg and is a bit traumatised after being beaten up by a rather cross cob on a lake near Newcastle. The cob was telling him to clear off but with his sore leg he was unable to fly. We did not think he was able to stand when he was brought in but the next morning when Kay and me went in to check on him he must have felt a bit better as he stood up and stretched himself to his full height and hissed loudly at us. A week or two with bed and breakfast will hopefully sort him out.
Two new volunteers started last week and were thrown in at the deep end with the hedgehogs.
They got on so well that they took our Buzzard with them and released it on their way home. It flew off beautifully. It had been with us some time and was totally blind when it was brought in after being hit by a vehicle. It is amazing what time can do for injuries like this. Some of the others working that day now want a turn at releasing too. We are always looking for new volunteers so if you would like to help please contact us.
PAT GOFF
Should you find an animal in need of our services, or if you need any advice please phone HQ on (01289) 302882. We are happy to help. Please visit our website at www.swan-trust.org. to find how to email us about non-urgent matters and easy ways to support or join us.
Donations can be sent (cheques payable to B.S.W.T.) to the Treasurer, Derek Roughton, Yew Tree Cottage, Branton, Alnwick NE66 4LW.
The Berwick Swan and Wildlife Trust is a registered charity in England No. 1064805.
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Weather for Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
