Rescued swan released back into the wild

The rescued swan

A swan that became seperated from her siblings after crash-landing on a housing estate in Caldershaw during the recent windy weather and was rescued by a concerned resident has been released back into the wild at Hollingworth Lake after spending time at Three Owls Bird Sanctuary.

A concerned resident, Andrea Barker, gave the cygnet the protection of her back garden - staying up all night with it to protect it from attack by foxes - and, the following day, made arrangements with Sue Lewis of Rochdale Hedgehog Rescue to attend to rescue the cygnet.

The bird was checked over by Stewart Jennings of Manchester Street Veterinary Surgery - who is the Three Owls vet - and pronounced it fit and well. The cygnet was then taken to one of the Three Owls (www.threeowls.co.uk) reserves where it could be cared for in a protected environment whilst attempts were made to locate its family.

Ian McKerchar, the County Bird Recorder, helped in identifying the swan from ring information and Steve Christmas, who rung the birds on behalf of the BTO, was able to pinpoint the swans breeding area and give background into the habits of this particular family of birds. 

With the help of the wardens at Hollingworth Lake the swan was released "with the minimum of fuss".

Visitors to Hollingworth Lake in the coming months may spot the swan, she has a plastic blue ring on her leg (number 4ABI). She is brown and white now, but will increasingly become pure white as she matures.