Swan Rescue - Hertfordshire

09/02/2025

Not a huge amount of fulfilling rescues this last month but we’ve been quietly picking up a few displaced and injured swans around Herts, there have been a few sad ones too. Here’s a little selection of some of our customers this last month. We appreciate everyone who contacts us for help and advice on the waterfowl. This time of year pairs are settling down and beginning to make nests, getting ready for the coming breeding season. This also involves some territorial displays and driving off intruders on their waters. It won’t be long before we start seeing little fluffy ones appearing in our waterways, and I’m expecting plenty of little orphan ducklings coming our way.

As always thanks again for all your care of the local birds!

01/02/2025

Whilst I do occasionally ask finders to guide a swan into the canal or river it’s really important if you find a swan displaced you don’t do this without speaking to a rescue or rescuer. This time of year swans are pairing off and being very territorial. These territorial battles can become very violent and displaced swans need safe places to go.

As ever thank you for watching our waterfowl and feel free to contact the sanctuary or myself should you need assistance.

Why swan rescues should only be carried out by experienced rescuers

Rescuing a swan might seem straightforward, but without the right knowledge, well-meaning actions can put a bird’s life in danger. This was the case in a recent situation where a swan was released into an unsuitable location against expert advice, resulting in a serious welfare concern.

Swans are highly territorial birds. Releasing a lone swan into an area already occupied by a resident pair is extremely dangerous. What may appear to be ‘welcoming’ behaviour is often a warning – an aggressive display telling the newcomer they are not welcome. In this case, the swan was mistakenly thought to be safe when, in reality, he was at severe risk of being attacked and driven out.

Not only was the release location inappropriate, but the handling of the swan before release was also incorrect and unsafe. Handling swans requires skill to minimise stress and prevent injury. Poor handling can cause harm to both the bird and the person attempting to help.

Because of this misguided release, we now have to try and locate the swan before further harm comes to him—something that could have been avoided if our advice had been followed.

If you ever come across an injured or displaced swan, please contact a knowledgeable rescuer before taking action. Swans need to be assessed, handled, and relocated correctly to ensure their safety. Good intentions alone are not enough—experience and understanding are essential when it comes to protecting these birds.

If you have any concerns about a swan in need, please reach out to a reputable rescue organisation before intervening. The welfare of these birds must always comes first!

28/01/2025

Just tagging on to the sanctuary’s advice here.

Avian flu has unfortunately upped a bit in the last few weeks and in the Hertfordshire area we are currently just under the avian influenza prevention zone and not a full housing order zone (where all domestic birds must be kept in). We do not have any cases in this area thankfully but that does not mean birds won’t appear with it.

I am still attending all waterfowl and as I have my own waterfowl I already undertake strict bio security controls to ensure that my own birds remain safe even before this outbreak.

Please continue to feed and look after your local birds. Avian influenza is not easily spread to humans but ensure you are always washing hands after feeding the birds as you should be anyway. If you spot a sick bird as always let the team know and avoid handling any unwell waterfowl. Many thanks for as ever keeping an eye on our local wildlife!

As some of you may know Defra have issued a statement regarding Avian flu, they have put in place an Avian influenza prevention zone that covers England.

This means we have actioned our Avian flu policy, this means we will still be rescuing and helping all waterfowl but our bio security measures are much stricter and we will not be taking birds from affected areas.

We do ask that people do feed as normal, the best chance for wildlife especially in this weather is for them to be well fed.
Not only does this keep them healthy it also stops the spread of Avian flu as they are less likely to stray from their areas in search of food.

20/01/2025

A huge thank you to Marc Ozall for his very generous and kind donation to us! We used a little just this afternoon for a rescue. We are self funded and work on a volunteer bases for the swan sanctuary so all our work and time is from my own pocket. This includes a lot of fuel etc. I have found juggling full time work and this job quite difficult at times if I’m honest. But the birds make it all worthwhile.

Any donations towards helping me is always very much appreciated, especially in times like this where times are quite hard for many. Whilst the waterfowl I help aren’t always super grateful towards me I am incredibly grateful on their behalf! I’ll be setting up a gofundme page in the near future for donations but for the time-being I also have an amazon Wishlist if you wish to help out, items change or disappear depending on need. It can be found here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2RAXTP90G1OMF?ref_=list_d_wl_ys_list_1&filter=all&sort=default&viewType=list

Many thanks for everyone out there being the eyes and ears of the rescuers, feeding and keeping an eye on our local birds and waterways. ❤️

15/01/2025

We were called yesterday lunchtime about this poor chap, by his very kind caretaker at a local pond. As is sometimes the case due to working full time I was unable to attend immediately but called the reinforcements and with the help of Gill coordinating the swan sanctuary team Sally and Ian were able to attend very quickly with kayaks to save this little lad.

We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery but will not disclose how we feel about what has been done to him. Local authorities have been contacted.

On a side note, please don’t dump your domestic ducks at a lock pond.

11/01/2025

Waterfowl and Ice.

Had a few calls recently about birds in the ice. Whilst it may appear distressing to us these birds are very well adapted to the extreme cold we are currently experiencing here in the U.K. They are able to break the ice and they have evolved very insulated feathers and a fatty skin layer as well as amazing circulation in their feet to keep themselves warm. Please keep feeding your local birds as right now they need us more than ever, they will be conserving as much energy as they can so an easy feed will help them immensely. Why not wrap up and pop out for a walk in this beautiful weather to feed your local waterfowl.

As ever the rescue teams are around if you have any concerns about any birds.

05/01/2025

130 mile round trip with this fella this afternoon from Bishop’s Stortford down to the Swan Sanctuary, lots of flooding on the rural roads to navigate through in our little car. Many thanks for Jon phoning the swan in and catching him up. He appeared to be weak and unable to bear weight on his legs. Upon examination he thankfully had no injuries or fishing tackle but was very underweight and weak. Thankfully with people like Jon watching over him we were able to collect him and get him for some well needed R&R! Many sadly don’t have this and end up with worse fates. Hopefully with some rest and food he will be back to full strength and back to the wild again in no time. He has plenty of friends to make at the sanctuary, as they’re pretty busy in the hospital.

At this time of year many of our waterfowl are struggling with the weather, they need plenty of food to keep them warm and get them through the cold winter months, and many juveniles like this one can struggle even more as many parents are kicking them off the nest so to speak. Make sure you feed your local waterfowl plenty of varied foods (see the sanctuary’s guide) over these winter months. Brown bread is fine as part of a varied diet and will help keep them going.

As ever, if you see any birds injured or in distress please contact the sanctuary for help. I’m back to work tomorrow so unavailable during the daytime again until the weekend. Thanks so much for everyone’s support as always!

03/01/2025

Happy New year!

Fancy a new challenge that makes a difference?

Why not consider being a volunteer rescuer? I’m always in need of an extra hand (particularly when I am at work and unable to attend birds during this time).

If you’re interested feel free to free to reach out for more information and advice or contact the swan sanctuary. You just need to have access to a car and live within the Hertfordshire area (west Herts around Berkhamstead area would be a plus, as an area further from myself but no problem if not). The swan sanctuary (and myself) are more than happy to provide training and help so no prior experience required. Just an open mind, ability to remain calm in stressful situations or in the face of injuries and most importantly not be afraid of big birds. Being available during more working hours is also helpful but not necessary. Waterfowl are amazing birds and need as much help as we can offer.

If not for you maybe think about volunteering for a local charity close to your heart. ❤️

27/12/2024

Cassiobury Park Swan - Being monitored.

Hi all. There has been a number of calls to myself, the sanctuary and the RSPCA over the past week about the female swan at Cassiobury Park in Watford. It appears about 10-14 days ago she may have had an altercation with a dog. Last week, after this report I went down to the park after work and caught her up out the river and checked her over fully. Although earlier in the day she was spotted with some blood on her she appeared to have no major wounds and was very bright and strong when I handled her, (quite put out I had interrupted her evening in fact). Since this time many have reported her being quiet and not moving from the far bank. It is highly likely she is bruised and worried from the incident with a dog and she is spending time healing and resting. The blood may have been from broken feathers or a minor injury but I could not find a wound upon inspection.

Please continue to feed her (ideally in the water) if she is interested. We have a few people keeping an eye on her regularly and she has been seen out in the river flow and by the edge taking food. It is likely she just wants some rest and should be back to herself after a few weeks of healing. Please do not try catching her up and continue to monitor her from afar. The team will step in should this be needed but it is far less stressful to allow her to heal in her natural environment. If she sustained major trauma we certainly would have taken her in for care. Also just a friendly reminder to keep your dogs on leads around waterfowl and other wildlife. Thank you all for your understanding. Feel free to share on local pages as needed.

25/12/2024

This chap decided he wanted to pop by from some free Christmas dinner today. Unfortunately this resulted in a crash landing in a backyard. The surprised residents phoned me after he tapped on their back door and they realised he’d dropped by unannounced.

Sadly this is not unusual this time of year as the juveniles are driven off territories by the adults and not being all that great at flying yet they often find themselves in a pickle in all sorts of places, back gardens being a common one. Without a run up they are then technically trapped without a way to get airborne again.

This chap got a check over and thankfully had no injuries and appeared in good health. So he received a free ride to the nearest local safe flock where he can find his feet (and wings) again. Merry Christmas!

24/12/2024

Seasons greetings to all our followers. Thanks for welcoming me to the rescue world but special thanks to Mark who did this job for Hertfordshire for many years and stood down this year! Really appreciate everything you’ve done over the years. The swans and waterfowl don’t care what day it is so if you need anything over the coming couple of weeks don’t hesitate to contact the team for any birds in need. Have a peaceful and safe restful time all and wishing you all a fruitful new year.

14/12/2024

Some more happy campers going home in time for Christmas. Thanks to Helen and Katie for lift

29/11/2024

Just a few customers from the last month. Sometimes I’m unavailable when people phone due to work or commitments. If I don’t answer, please phone the swan sanctuary on 01932 240790 who should be able to locate another local rescuer. I’ll always do what I can when not at work/busy, but often feel guilty I’m not always available. Unfortunately bills won’t pay for themselves, and these bills don’t help out either 😉. Thanks again for all of you keeping an eye on our local birds. 🦆🪿🦢

14/11/2024

Poor birds. Been hearing about this for weeks. Thankfully not avian influenza but botulism, a relatively common issue in water birds, particularly in stagnant waterways. Thanks to everyone who has been helping and reporting these birds, particularly Swan Support team. 😢

News and updates from the Animal and Plant Health Agency on science

20/10/2024

Been a busy few days here. On Friday we picked up quite a young cygnet which had been handed into a vets with a fractured wing, they were feeling very sorry for themselves on the journey into the swan sanctuary. Thankfully just the metacarpals broken (wrist joint) so the team at the sanctuary wrapped the wing and the little one should heal in time. They definitely perked up upon seeing some friends on the recovery ward! Later in the day we attended an adult male who was having troubles with his metal ring causing some abrasions to his leg. Usually these rings don’t cause trauma but if there has been an injury they can sometimes become an issue so this was removed. He was most unimpressed with being scooped from the water and examined but his wonderful caretaker who feeds him daily reports he’s all good but just holding a bit of a grudge for being tempted to the edge for me. Then yesterday we popped in for a welfare check on a lame swan at a local park. Both of the breeding pair appear to be lame and have 7 healthy cygnets with them. There was thankfully no signs of fishing tackle or fractures so we will monitor these two for now, their best treatment is being out on the water to take the weight off their legs.

Back to work again tomorrow which usually means I’m less available for helping the local birds out as easily. But we will see what the next week brings us.

Thank you to everyone keeping an eye on our local wildlife and keeping them healthy and happy! Without you, these birds would not get the care they may need in times of injury or illness.

16/10/2024

Sometimes rescues can be very tricky, particularly geese or mallards as they are often flighty. Well done to the team for finally getting hold of this little one. 😢

11/10/2024

Last night we were called out to this swan near Harpenden. He was being attacked by two breeding pairs of swans on either side of the river navigation and had something hanging from him. After wading through the river we managed an easy enough catch through nettles. He had a rubber ring around his neck, thankfully not causing any injuries. A bit beaten up but otherwise well so he was relocated to a nearby flock for restbite. A reminder to take your rubbish home and how much something so benign can easily cause distress and in severe cases death of our wildlife.

24/09/2024

Please take care of flooded lakes and rivers at this time. A lot water heading downstream from all our rainfall.

🚨WARNING🚨

Due to the severe weather we have recently experienced, Stanborough Park is currently flooded.

You MUST take care when visiting the area, but we would strongly suggest to stay away from the park and any flooded areas until these are safe and clear.

Our teams are working hard making sure the area stays as safe as possible.

⚠️REMEMBER: If you see anyone in danger or in need of help, call the emergency services immediately. Do not put yourself in danger trying to save someone else.

Use to give an exact location to the emergency services.