Whooper Swan dawn winter wonderland is ‘Cambridgeshire’s biggest wildlife spectacle’

Cambridgeshire’s RSPB Ouse Washes nature reserve is hosting a white feathered, winter wonderland as up to 6,500 Whooper Swans have arrived on site to spend the next few months there.

Annually flying over 3,000 miles to escape Iceland’s bone chilling winters, Whooper Swans start arriving in the UK during the autumn with numbers peaking at this time of year.

The 986 hectare site, which is the equivalent of 1,380 football pitches, is a stronghold for the species during winter months due to careful management of the reserve throughout the year which provides roosting habitat and food for the swans and other species seeking a safe haven for the colder months.

Currently the best time of day to see them on site is at dawn just before they leave to forage for food for the day, returning to the site at dusk or after nightfall to safely roost on the flooded washland.

Nature Reserve Manager Jonathan Taylor says, “Looking out at the sheer number of Whooper Swans as the sun rises on RSPB Ouse Washes is a true winter wonder. It is Cambridgeshire’s biggest wildlife spectacle but not many people outside of our regular visitors are aware of the mass migration of swans to our free to visit site, and especially the current dawn gathering as they take flight to seek out food.

To keep the reserve in top condition we graze over 2,000 cattle on the reserve during warmer months to deliver a variety of grassland habitat for wildlife. The washland’s grazing pasture floods in winter providing the perfect spot for migrating Whooper Swans to roost and feed.

The amount of swans that arrive on site never fails to amaze me. It’s a thrill to see the hard work and knowledge put in by our team to maintain and nurture the land, plus the support we get to do this work from our wonderful members, benefit this remarkable species.”

 

Whooper Swans are so-called due to their distinctive whooping call. They feed in shallow water or on land during the day and roost on open water at night. On wetlands like Ouse Washes, they eat leaves, stems and roots of aquatic plants, though they are equally happy feeding on leftover crops from the region's rich farmland.

The first Whooper Swans arrive in September (to the UK and Ouse Washes) where they will spend the winter before returning to their breeding sites in Iceland in mid-April. The average Whooper Swan flies approximately 54,000 miles during their lifetime.

RSPB Ouse Washes Reserve near March in Cambridgeshire was initially established in the 1960s followed by further land purchases in the early 2000s. It is the UK’s largest washland. One of the main aims of the site is to help protect a wide range of wintering wildfowl species, including Whooper Swans. RSPB Ouse Washes also supports a wide variety of rare or threatened wildlife throughout the year.

Click to find out more about RSPB Ouse Washes.The site is open from dawn to dusk for visitors.

The RSPB’s work to help nature is supported by RSPB members and supporters. To find out more about becoming a member visit our membership pages.