Bewick’s swans, the smallest wild swans in the UK, are experiencing changes in behaviour due to climate change, resulting in a decline of swans returning to the UK for the winter. Those that do make it back to the UK arrive later than before, reducing the number of swans seen in the country. For example, the returning flock has dropped from 700 to around 100 birds per annum. These majestic waterbirds leave their Arctic breeding grounds during winter and return to Northern regions in spring.
Slimbridge, a reserve in Gloucestershire, England, has been monitoring returning swan flocks since 1965. The latest to arrive are a bonded pair called Maisie and Maifield, with their two cygnets. Senior Research Officer Kirk Brides at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve said that climate change’s “saddest fact” is that they may never return to the UK. Unfortunately, the reduction in swans’ numbers throughout their global population can be attributed to deliberate killing, lead poisoning, and a decrease in wetland habitat.
Researchers, who have been tracking the migrations of Bewick’s swans with GPS, found that they are changing their behaviour. Hans Linssen of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology explained that the birds used to travel all the way to Britain for a more comfortable temperature during winter. However, the winters are comparatively warmer now, so when they come to Germany and the Netherlands, they prefer to stay there. It is also worth mentioning that the global temperature is breaking many records, and climate change is having a considerable impact on wildlife.
Overall, you are witnessing the consequences of climate change affecting birds, which may result in the swans never returning to the UK. The ability to halt climate change is in our hands, and we must take responsible steps towards preserving the planet for generations to come
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