Thanks to all those who turned out, and despite the fact that the river was in spate that day, the Lincoln Swan Census was definitely a success. We found just under 300 birds, and we are reasonably sure this is an undercount. For example, looking at the number of pits and ponds we couldn’t get access to, and the number of swans on the very similar pits and ponds we did count, suggests that some were missed, and there are other swans we know didn’t get counted (families who had gone further up or downstream that day!), so all in all it seems likely that the actual population is somewhere between 300-350.
This total breaks up into three groups. Firstly, almost every suitable waterbody on the west side of Lincoln had at least one pair or family; some of the larger waters, especially those with islands, had slightly higher numbers, perhaps two pairs or last year’s family allowed to remain. Some of the larger watercourse, including the Fossdyke, River Till, Barlings Eau, Carrdyke and other main catchwater drains similarly also had pairs or families. Secondly, the River Witham and north and south delphs between Lincoln and Bardney had small groups of 1-6 birds of mixed ages. It is likely that some of these were pairs and families, but the remainder are probably non-breeders. Thirdly, the biggest group are non-breeders, and four such herds were located. The Brayford herd had 21 birds at the time of the census, and further groups of 20-60+ swans were mapped in Branston Fen, Nocton Fen and Reepham Fen.
As usual, this first census has raised at least as many questions as it has answered, and therefore, we shall be repeating it regularly. The current plan is to attempt a full-scale census once every 3 months, with the next one in mid-March, just at the start of the breeding season, with smaller counts of selected areas monthly to answer particular questions. If possible, we would also like to find local observers prepared to report on particular groups or families more often; anyone do a regular dog-walk, for instance and know they see a pair or family most times? If so, and you would be prepared to provide information on their movements and activities, please get in touch.
We would also like help from anyone with access to some of the private fishing waters, particularly in the North Hykeham area, who would be prepared to check them for swans, say monthly. All future counts will be on the middle weekend each month.
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