Wildlife Diary - February 2008

 

 

Homeward Bound

Every year Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) from Iceland make a trip of over 1300km to spend the winter in Britain. In Glasgow the best place to see these birds is Hogganfield Park Local Nature Reserve. If you wanted to experience just how far these birds travel to get here you would have to walk round the loch in Hogganfield Park 500 times!

 

Whooper Swan

 

Most people will be familiar with the resident Mute Swan common on many of Glasgow’s lochs and ponds. The Whooper Swan is slightly smaller than this and has a yellow and black bill instead of orange. They keep their long, thin necks held up straight making them look very graceful and elegant.

 

 

Hogganfield Park LNR

 

These beautiful birds usually begin their long flight back to Iceland at the beginning of March so this month is your last chance to see them before next winter. Even if you do miss the Whooper Swans this time round there are many other interesting waterbirds and other wildlife to be seen at Hogganfield Park. Click on the Hogganfield Park link to find out more and how to get there.