The traditional Swan Upping will arrive this Friday in Abingdon. It is the annual census and inspection and ringing of the swans led my the master of the Queen’s swans.
There are a family of six cygnets, mum and dad, who can be seen on the River Thames in Abingdon.
They could escape being upped if they stay near Abingdon Lock as the swan upping normally ends at Abingdon Bridge.
The swan upping is partly ceremonial but does include a number of scientists who want to study what is happening to the swan population year by year.
Swan upping. Outdated ceremony for the elite.
Swan Upping. Excuse to go down to the Nags Head/Broad Face for a pint.
“ Outdated ceremony for the elite “ !
Nonsense ! Many enjoy the ceremony, spend money on drinks or meals in Abingdon and other riverside towns afterwards and certainly don’t consider themselves “ elite”.
As well as the colourful bit there is a serious purpose to all this: the swans are counted, their health checked and they are ringed. One year we watched a fishhook being removed from a swan. I understand there is also a programme as they travel to teach schoolchildren more of the role of swan uppers and about swans.
I assume the swan uppers will have an ample supply of corks to prevent the swans fouling the abbey grounds in future?
Perhaps corking is the answer to excess goose poo ? Canada geese excrete every 20 minutes and produce about 1.5 pounds of poo each per day. That is many tons per year spread among the geese on the Abbey Meadows.
I’ve not seen a swan there for ages.
Did anyone see the cygnets in the photo sitting feeding on the weed on the supports of the weir in the full flow of water with adults looking on ? Amazing sight
The swans are counted yes. Well the ones they actually catch are. Most they don’t even bother trying to catch so totally pointless exercise
Get a life Chris John. Swan Upping is a great tradition and a great spectacle. Pity about the rain today, although we do need it.
A few rowing skiffs is a great spectacle Mary? Your telling me to get a life. Pot kettle etc!