Wednesday 2 December 2015

Whooper Swans

Cloudy, 12°, light SSW.

A brief trip to Didcot today we noticed some swans on Cholsey Hill near the railway and I made a mental note to check them out on the way back thinking they were probably Mute Swans.

On returning they had flown to the other side of the road to the east so I had a quick look at them and realised they were note Mute Swans but thinking they were Bewick Swans, however they were a bit distant.

Got home and returned taking the camera and got a few shots and made a few phone calls putting the info out as Bewick Swans.

A little later I received a phone call from Brian Wyatt who was watching them with a ‘scope and he suggested they were Whooper Swans. Thanks Brian for confirming Whoopers.

A closer look at the photos confirmed that they were Whooper Swans, 2 adults and 3 juveniles.

Apparently 5 swans were seen last Thursday flying towards Cholsey over Waterloo Close on the Moulsford border that were presumed to be either Bewick’s or Whoopers (per MA) so I guess these are the same birds.

A rare bird species in Cholsey (cannot recall the last record) and a scarce species in the county.

Also at least 14 Golden Plover on the hill though mobile.

Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen on the wing today by the EastEnder.





And finally one of Loren's pics.

No comments:

Post a Comment