Wildlife

Wild Whooper Swan Winter Welfare

Whooper swans migrate from Iceland to winter on UK wetlands, with welfare closely linked to food availability, disturbance and lead poisoning from ingested fishing weights.

Key Facts

Whooper swans arrive from Iceland in October and winter on Scottish lochs, estuaries and wet grasslands
They feed on aquatic vegetation and winter stubble, covering large areas daily
Lead poisoning from ingested fishing weights and shot causes neurological disease and death
Wetland eutrophication reduces aquatic vegetation and food availability for wintering swans
Designated areas including Caerlaverock WWT reserve protect key wintering flocks

Welfare Considerations

Whooper swan welfare requires action on lead pollution and wetland food availability alongside protection from disturbance. Lead-free fishing weights and shot represent a straightforward individual welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Use only lead-free fishing weights and shot to prevent swan lead poisoning
Support WWT and RSPB reserves protecting wintering whooper swan flocks
Record whooper swan sightings and flock sizes through WeBS winter counts