Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) |
This swan is a winter visitor to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. They can mainly be seen at some of the strategic WWT centres such as Welney and Martinmere were there are wetland habitats, mainly with shallow lakes. They can also be found on coastal flats. The Whooper is larger and longer-necked than Bewick's Swan, which is very similar. It also has more extensive yellow on its beak. |
The yellow markings on the beak are unique to every swan. Like with our fingerprints no two bill patterns are the same. Because of this records can be kept as to the identity of individual birds.
The Swans in the two photos above have just arrived at Martinmere in October for the winter. The swans are whooping and displaying after their long journey. They are fed grain over the coldest months.
