Dear Editor
It is with sadness that I have to report that 4FZY (Fuzzy), 4CUI (Cutie) and their four remaining cygnets, have been removed from their breeding territory on the river by the Waterfowl Sanctuary, Godmanchester (WSG).
From my understanding a member of the public reported the normal territorial disputes between two breeding pairs of wild swans to WSG, and they used that as a welfare concern to justify their removal action.
Update: A paragraph in the letter was removed on 5 June 2024 at 09:44 due to an objection by The Waterfowl Sanctuary. We are happy to make this correction.
Personally I do not agree with that position.
My view is that territorial disputes, leading to the death of cygnets, is as natural a part of the swan’s lifecycle as cygnets being killed by a heron, pike or any other predator. Unlike cygnets being killed by a man-made structure such as the weir, where intervention to protect the cygnets is warranted.
Removals like this result in breeding pairs abandoning territories, and therefore the loss of nesting sites in our urban environment. In my opinion therefore, this is an example of unnecessary interference, done to ease human concerns, which ultimately has a detrimental affect upon the wild swans.
Without such events, a weaker Cob and Penn [sic] do not learn how to defend their territory, nor have the impetus to grow larger and stronger.
This is yet another example of why we as a community need to step up and protect our own birds. Educating the wider public as to the care and reality of wildlife. That whilst it is possible to develop strong relationships with these birds as I have done, it must always be on their terms, as these are wild birds not pets.
This is why I am working with the Mayor and the council to develop welfare/rescue/rehabilitation services where appropriate, whilst not needlessly interfering. Ensuring the urban environment is managed with urban wildlife in mind.
Such as the actions the council and I will be taking together to provide a safe and secure grassed area for Bedford’s swanherd to rest and clean ashore.
Moving forward I hope to develop/protect nesting areas along the river through selected rewilding works, where these birds can breed safe from human threats such as loose dogs and introduced threats such as mink.
Areas with good supplies of nesting materials and wild foods, where the public can observe and be inspired by both the joy and sadness enshrined in a swan’s battle for life.
Otters, Herons, Pike, Foxes, Crows will continue to eat eggs and cygnets. There will continue to be territorial disputes between neighbouring breeding pairs, resulting sadly in further deaths of cygnets. That is nature’s way, and as humans, we should respect that.
Regards
Joanne Gullon
Alexandra Road, Bedford
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