PBC: Mute Swan

Peterborough Bird Club annual report
Mute Swan Cygnus olor | A | Common resident

1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003

2003

Common resident breeder.
During the first winter period, the largest counts were recorded during January and February with the peak count of 160 birds feeding on a rape field at Deeping St Nicholas on 10 Jan (PNW). Other notable counts included 75 at Peakirk on 16 Jan (DD) and 65 at Prior’s Fen GP on 16 Feb (SPD). Notable spring counts included 132 at Prior’s Fen GP on 21 Apr (BHS). The peak count during the second winter period was of 141 birds on the Nene Washes, largely between High Wash and Eldernell Wash, on 14 Dec (RSPB).
Other notable counts included 85 at Deeping High Bank on 7 Dec (BB) and 88 at Tongue End on 23 Dec (VF). A total of 20 pairs bred on the Nene Washes (see table below). Other breeding records were received from Baston & Langtoft GP, Baston Fen NR, Cow Pasture (Baston), Peakirk, Thurlby Fen and Woodwalton Fen NNR.

Pairs of breeding Mute Swans on the Nene Washes

High Wash	3
Low Wash	10
Eldernell Wash	2
Eldernell Pits	1
March Farmers	3
Ring's End	1
total:	20

2002

Common resident breeder.
The peak count during 2002 was 183 at Deeping High Bank on 26 May (AD). Other notable counts included 161 on the Nene Washes on 9 Dec (RSPB) and 100+ present at Prior’s Fen GP during October and November, with 155 there on 2 Nov (GW). A total of 23 pairs bred on the Nene Washes (see table below). Elsewhere, breeding records were received from Baston & Langtoft GP, Baston Fen NR, Bourne, Ferry Meadows CP, Market Deeping, Orton Meadows and Prior’s Fen GP.

Pairs of breeding Mute Swans on the Nene Washes

Stanground	1
High Wash	4
Low Wash	12
Eldernell Wash	1
March Farmers	3
Ring's End	2
total:	23

2001

Common resident breeder.
A total of 32 pairs bred on the Nene Washes with pairs also recorded at West Deeping and King’s Dyke NR (apparently ignored elsewhere!). The Nene Washes and surrounding areas attracted the most substantial flocks, with a winter peak of 202 on 15 Jan; post-breeding numbers reached 328 on 5 Jun with a second winter peak of 108 on 16 Dec (RSPB).
Other notable counts included 17 at Ramsey Fen 8 Jan (RES), 77 at Prior’s Fen GP 12 Feb (PJP), 60 at Baston & Langtoft GP 3 Mar (JR), 30 at Fotheringhay 8 Mar (KS), 138 at Prior’s Fen GP 10 May (GW), 73 at Deeping High Bank 9 Sep (BT), 35 at Bainton GP 14 Sep (BT), 41 at Deeping Lakes NR 16 Sep (TW) and 97 along Deeping High Bank 31 Dec (BT).

2000

Widespread resident.
On the Nene Washes, 35 pairs bred, but breeders elsewhere were under-recorded. Records were received from Baston Fen NR, Northey Fen, Market Deeping and three sites in the Fletton BP complex. Maximum non-breeding counts were on the Nene Washes of 224 immatures 12 May and 342 during autumn, 220 at Cowbit on 3 Jan, 185 at Baston Fen NR, 92 at Deeping Lakes NR 16 Apr, 108 near Baston Fen on 20 Nov, 77 Prior’s Fen GP 12 Feb and 20 Orton BP 31 Aug.

1999

Widespread resident.
Following a late winter maximum of 214 along Nene Washes, spring flocks of mainly first-years peaked there at 90, with 76 at Hampton Lakes. Twenty-six pairs bred on Nene Washes, two at Orton BP and a single pair at Market Deeping, but clearly many are under-recorded. Post-breeding counts lower than usual, with 105 at Deeping High Bank in August and just 74 on Nene Washes in November (compared to 241 in 1998). 100 were at Cowbit 10 Dec.

1998

Common resident.
Best counts were 110 at Deeping Lakes NR 19 Aug, 77 at Baston Fen NR 25 Apr, 72 at Crowland 20 Dec, 38 at Maxey GP 14 Mar and 23 between Helpston and Maxey 31 Jan. Breeding was confirmed at Ferry Meadows GP, Bainton GP, Nene Washes and Eye Green.
Nene Washes: Breeding numbers were difficult to assess, due to large numbers eg. 400 (18 May) being drawn onto the flooded washland. Twenty pairs nested on the reserve. The late start resulted in several juveniles failing to reach maturity and dying in October. Largest winter counts were 212 (15 Feb) and 241 (8 Nov).