Whooper swans migrate from Iceland to Britain and Ireland each winter, facing welfare challenges from power line collision, lead poisoning, and wetland loss.
Power line strikes cause severe traumatic injuries with many birds surviving in compromised states. Lead poisoning from ingesting spent shot pellets or fishing weights causes progressive neurological symptoms, weight loss, and prolonged decline before death. Wetland drainage removes winter foraging habitat causing nutritional stress and increased movement to new areas crossing more infrastructure.