We spotted them opposite Axmouth FC in a flooded roadside field. They were certainly in a convenient place! Two adult Bewick's swans, yet another new bird for me this year, and a difficult bird to find in the southwest. Very sadly, the world's smallest swan, which visits us in winter from its Siberian breeding grounds, is in serious decline. Although protected in all countries that it is found in, it suffers severely from lead poisoning, draining and poaching. Let's hope that things change for this wonderful goose-sized swan.
My 182nd British bird of the year, and probably my last new one. What a great way to end the year!
Bewick's Swans, Axmouth, 28.12.12
Other birds seen today were 40+ curlew in the flooded fields near where the swans were and a woodcock.
No comments:
Post a Comment