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Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Swans are back on the Thames! Numbers of beloved Royal birds shoot up after worrying dip
The number of swans on the River Thames has begun to go up again after a worrying dip, according to an annual survey. The traditional five-day count known as swan upping found 115 young birds this year, compared to just 86 in 2024. There has been a worrying decline in the numbers of the beloved royal birds in recent years - with the drop blamed on avian flu and human cruelty. But the new figures released by the King's swan marker, David Barber, this week suggest the 45 per fall over the past two years has been reversed. However, the numbers are still down on the 155 swans that were counted in 2022. Mr Barber said according to The Henley Standard: 'So far it has been very positive. 'It's an improvement on last year because we've had the bird flu for a few years and that seems to have died out on the Thames now and the breeding pairs suffered badly and now it seems quite good so I'm pleased with it. 'Last year was the lowest number we've had for years and years and years and since I've been doing it and that was only 86 cygnets [across the whole bird count].' Swan upping is the annual census of the swan population and the ceremony is used to count the number of young cygnets, check their health and ensure numbers are maintained. The 'swan uppers' use traditional rowing skiffs for their five-day journey each year upstream along the River Thames to Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire. The ceremony dates back to the 12th century, when the ownership of all unmarked mute swans in Britain was claimed by the Crown in order to ensure a ready supply for feasts. The focus is now on conservation and education, with local primary school children invited to Q&A sessions throughout the week. In particular, Mr Barber wants the event to discourage young people from mistreating swans. Recently there have been incidents reported of people shooting the royal birds with catapults and air guns. Swan upping has also become a popular spectacle with crowds gathering along the banks of the River Thames.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
River Thames: Swan upping tradition returns for annual count
An annual medieval tradition of counting swans on the River Thames is upping is a royal census of the birds on the river, dating back to the 12th Century, which aims to give an insight into their comes after only 86 young swans were found in 2024, a 45% decline in two count is carried out every July by a crew of swan uppers who are dressed in a traditional scarlet uniform and travel along the river in rowing boats counting for five days. The count will start later at Sunbury Lock in Middlesex, and finish at Abingdon Bridge, Oxfordshire, on Friday 18 the count the King's Swan Marker is tasked with tracking the number of young cygnets to ensure the swan population is part of the event, cygnets are weighed and measured to check growth rates and check young and adult swans for any sign of disease or swan marker will then produce an annual report with the results. 'Seen a downturn' This year's swan marker, David Barber, said: "Cygnet numbers in the last two years have seen a downturn, primarily due to the outbreaks of Avian Influenza suffered by the bird population across the United Kingdom. "Fortunately, there has been a decrease in reported cases of the disease in the River Thames area in recent months. "Calmer river conditions of recent weeks will also benefit young cygnets as they learn to navigate the waterways with their parents." What is swan upping? Swan upping dates back to when the crown claimed ownership of "all mute swans", which were considered an important food for banquets and birds are no longer eaten and are now a protected species, however, the crown retains the right of King mainly exercises this right on stretches of the River Thames and ownership is shared with the Vintners' and Dyers' Livery Companies, who were granted rights of ownership by the crown in the 15th cygnets are ringed with a unique British Trust for Ornithology identification number for scientific purposes during the swan upping. Children from local primary schools along the route have been invited to watch the swan upping and ask Barber said: "The children's enthusiasm to demonstrate their knowledge of swans and their habitats is very rewarding, and it's always a joy to have them join us along the route."They are also, of course, fascinated by the royal connection with swans and have lots of interesting questions to ask." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Royal swan count begins after species decline
The annual census of swans on the River Thames is set to begin on Monday. Swan Upping will start in Sunbury Lock and finish at Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire on 18 July. The historic event, which dates back to the 12th century, happens every year with ceremonially dressed teams of rowers going up the river. Only 86 young swans were found during 2024's Swan Upping - representing a 45% decline in two years. David Barber, the King's Swan Marker, blamed the downturn in cygnet numbers primarily on outbreaks of Avian Influenza (bird flu). "Fortunately, there has been a decrease in reported cases of the disease in the River Thames area in recent months," he said. Young swans are weighed and measured by Mr Barber, who wears a feather in his cap, to make growth estimates, while cygnets and adult swans are examined for disease or injury. Mr Barber: "Sadly, issues of vandalism and cruelty continue to cause distressing and often fatal injuries to swans and young cygnets."Dogs that are not under control also pose a significant risk of harm and death when in the vicinity of breeding swans and their young cygnets."Last year's Swan Upping found swans had been shot at by catapults and airguns. Pollution was another problem, with some swans being found covered in engine Barber urged people to be aware of nesting environments when walking beside rivers. Swan upping started as a way of counting the birds that were valuable property - with any unmarked mute swans being Crown property.
