The next swan census is planned for the weekend of 14-15 March 2009. The survey area comprises the area between North Hykeham and Bardney on the River Witham, up to Langworth on the Barlings Eau, out to Odda on the Fossdyke and up the Main Drain from Fossdyke to Burton Pits, and includes all the rivers, delphs, drains, ponds, pools, pits and lakes in this area. This includes the Witham Fens between the river/South Delph, Nocton Delph and the Car Dyke.
In addition to a count, with location, for any swans or groups found, this count will start the breeding survey. So we also need to identify any territorial pairs, and then follow them up to determine a) whether (and where) they nest; b) how many eggs are laid; and c) whether the eggs are incubated through to hatching (and if so, how many cygnets are hatched) or whether they are predated/taken etc.
As for the last census, any offers of help will be very gratefully accepted, either to check a waterbody or stretch of water on the day, or to follow up and monitor a particular pair of swans. Basically, every sighting of swans between now and the end of April in the survey area is needed. Please help!
Offers of help to me please:
anne.goodall@esl-lincoln.co.uk and records can be sent to the same address. As for the last census, a short report will be posted on the forum as soon as we have the results in.
Thanks!
Anne G
Login
FAQ
Search
