Swan Census to Track Decline of Irish Winter Flock Amid Rise of British Counterpart
Volunteers will this weekend take part in the sixth international swan census, a six-yearly survey that tracks the fortunes of the UK and Ireland's wintering bird populations. The event aims to monitor changes in the numbers of two species: whooper swans from Iceland and Bewick's swans from Siberia.
The census typically takes place in January but has now shifted to coincide with the birds' migration patterns, which sees them moving south for the winter. This year's survey will cover areas where both species are known to congregate, including the eastern Mediterranean, central Asia, and parts of continental north-west Europe, as well as Iceland.
In recent years, the swans have experienced a significant divergence in their populations. The UK has seen an almost doubling of its whooper swan numbers over the past quarter century, with estimates suggesting that around 20,000 birds now spend the winter there. Conversely, Bewick's swans, which were once abundant in England, are now largely absent from most sites except a few isolated areas in southern England.
Climate change is thought to be a major factor behind these diverging fortunes. Mild winters have led to improved survival rates for whooper swans, boosting the breeding population in Iceland. Meanwhile, equally mild conditions in Scandinavia and the Low Countries have made it unnecessary for many Bewick's swans to migrate across the North Sea to reach the UK and Ireland.
Volunteers will this weekend take part in the sixth international swan census, a six-yearly survey that tracks the fortunes of the UK and Ireland's wintering bird populations. The event aims to monitor changes in the numbers of two species: whooper swans from Iceland and Bewick's swans from Siberia.
The census typically takes place in January but has now shifted to coincide with the birds' migration patterns, which sees them moving south for the winter. This year's survey will cover areas where both species are known to congregate, including the eastern Mediterranean, central Asia, and parts of continental north-west Europe, as well as Iceland.
In recent years, the swans have experienced a significant divergence in their populations. The UK has seen an almost doubling of its whooper swan numbers over the past quarter century, with estimates suggesting that around 20,000 birds now spend the winter there. Conversely, Bewick's swans, which were once abundant in England, are now largely absent from most sites except a few isolated areas in southern England.
Climate change is thought to be a major factor behind these diverging fortunes. Mild winters have led to improved survival rates for whooper swans, boosting the breeding population in Iceland. Meanwhile, equally mild conditions in Scandinavia and the Low Countries have made it unnecessary for many Bewick's swans to migrate across the North Sea to reach the UK and Ireland.
And on the other hand, Bewick's swans are basically non-existent in most places except for a few spots in southern England. It's all because of climate change, which is affecting the migration patterns and survival rates of these beautiful birds. 
I wish our teachers would incorporate more stories like this into our lessons, it makes learning way more interesting for me! 
. It's interesting to note how climate change has exacerbated the divergence in fortunes between these two species. The fact that mild winters have allowed for an increase in whooper swans while making it unnecessary for Bewick's swans to migrate suggests that our planet is indeed experiencing profound changes. As we monitor the population dynamics of these majestic birds, I believe it's essential to consider the broader implications of climate change on migratory patterns and ecosystems as a whole 
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I'm wondering how these amazing birds are coping with all this climate change. One minute they're thriving, the next they're disappearing from certain areas. It's heartbreaking to think that these beautiful creatures are struggling just because of our changing weather patterns. As someone who's lived through some tough times myself, I know a thing or two about adapting to change. But it's not always easy for others, is it? 
OMG u guys!! I'm literally so hyped 4 this swan census!!! 
Like, who knew our winters were actually a war zone 4 birds?! 
Climate change is like, for real though! 
. Can we talk about how crazy it is that our weather patterns are changing on such a massive scale?! 
I mean, who needs a survey when you've got birds just winging it (get it? winging it? 
). Seriously though, climate change is no joke, and our feathered friends are feeling the heat. Who knew swans could be so...avian-ly affected by global warming? 
. Like, whooper swans are thriving in Iceland, but at the same time, Bewick's swans are basically disappearing from the rest of Europe? It just goes to show how delicate the ecosystem can be and how even small changes can have huge impacts 
. Anyway, gotta give props to the volunteers who are out there doing this swan census, supporting conservation efforts is super important 
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... so like the whooper swans r killing it rn, almost double their population over quarter century & they're now in uk & ireland too! but bewicks are struggling lol... climate change is def the reason why tho, mild winters are saving whoopers lives but making it hard for bewicks to migrate. i mean, can u imagine if those beautiful swans r extinct 
And Iceland is basically thriving with whooper swans because of it... but at the same time, that means less in England. It's like this weird climate thing is playing a cruel joke on these lovely birds 
. I'm just hoping the census data will give us some clues on how to help those in need, like protecting their habitats or whatever 
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Our impact on the environment is crazy! 
I'm not saying we're all bad or anything, but it's wild how something as small as a bird can show us up. Anyway, hope those volunteers get some good data for this census... it's pretty cool that they're tracking these birds' movements and stuff 
. And climate change is wild - my grandma used to tell me stories about how her mom would make these amazing Swedish meatballs that were only possible during the winter months when it was super cold outside, but now I'm not sure if that's even a thing anymore... I mean, have we really lost touch with the changing seasons? It's like our bodies are all, "Hey, summer's always here" 