Hatched Lines - 18

I have just been informed of the reason for the movement of swans to the seafront; a swan on the sea is an unusual sight in some ways, at Abbotsbury common enough; here it is a surprise change in behaviour. But here it is a mixed blessing for the swans. The flocks inhabited the stretch of Drift Reservoir quite peacably, until rod fishermen made noises about their 'sport' being spoiled by swans disruption to the fish; the protest arose that swans were being fed, using waste bakery materials and a stop order was placed on the feeding of the swans.
The swans have found another source of food. As well as a new ground to raise their families and to socialise. One advantage is that they now have less contact with fishing gear and the attendant hazards, the other is that they now have a better diet, as bread is bad for them, as it expands and fills their stomachs not allowing space for real nourishment. It is early days to discover the outcome of another of mans' selfishness, we shall see.

A double blow for swans at Drift then - too much bread with a side order of lead shot and line. A shame, as I imagine the reservoir is a perfect habitat for them if they were left to their own devices. I remember being quite surprised seeing them in the sea - I always thought they were just fresh water birds. Let's hope they thrive.

Just to underline the sea water thing, swans are better described as Estuary birds, very much suited for 'bottom scraping' and have eyes specially adapted for sea water; its habitat was largely due to Royal domestication, water vegetation (especially eelgrass) and small aquatic life are their normal diet.