Wildlife

Wild Whooper Swan Migration Welfare

Whooper swans migrate from Iceland to UK wintering sites each autumn, and individual welfare during migration and wintering requires habitat availability and protection from disturbance.

Key Facts

Whooper swans typically migrate in family parties from Iceland from October onwards
Migration journeys of 1,200-1,500 km are completed in 12-18 hours of non-stop flight
Wintering sites on Scottish lochs and English wetlands must provide adequate food and safety
Lead poisoning from ingested fishing weights and gunshot is a significant welfare threat
Satellite tracking has revealed individual wintering site fidelity over multiple years

Welfare Considerations

Whooper swan individual welfare is linked to habitat quality at wintering sites and freedom from lead poisoning. Lead-free fishing and shooting practices eliminate a significant preventable welfare threat.

What You Can Do

Use only lead-free fishing weights and sinkers near swan wintering waters
Support WWT reserves that manage habitat specifically for wintering whooper swans
Record whooper swan flock sizes at wintering sites through WeBS counts