Swans at Kingston

[ChrisJBrady]

Has anyone else noticed that there are far fewer swans at Kingston in recent years. In November there were hardly any at all. Yet a few years ago there were many hundreds. We have heard that they are being killed and eaten on the Nene, but the Thames?!!!

 

[ashtead]

Nothing to do with houseboats causing pollution then ? I haven't looked out the window at JL for a few months but maybe others going there for Boxing Day can report back more accurately?

 

[mickywillis]

There was a rumour going round that certain Eastern European types were taking them for food? Not sure if there's any truth in that, but getting close to Christmas, who knows??

 

[Actionmat]

Swan isn't traditional EU fayre, but carp is. I was dog walking and talked to a Polish lad with his dog, I asked if they did Christmas like the Gemans.and celebrated the day before us. They do. I asked if he ate carp because I noticed that Sainsbury's had it on their fish counter. Yes, he said. We take from river.
Other walkers along the towpath say the sight of Poles with rods and carrier bags has been all too common with no sign of enforcement. I wouldn't want to get my hands wet, let alone eat anything that came from the Thames in the Kingston area.

 

[Flynnbarr]

There is a mutilated young Swan under a tree just upstream of the lock moorings at Teddington.

 

[mersey]

http://www.theswansanctuary.org.uk/

The Swan Sanctuary is registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as Veterinary Premises No. 7002114 – Sally Goulden, B. Vet. Med., Cert. G.P. (SAM), MRCVS
IF YOU NEED TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY CALL 01932 240790