Great News – Cygnet Still Alive!
Fantastic! The missing cygnet that we had presumed was dead has now been reunited with its single parent mum.
What a surprise when it was spotted happily paddling along with a group of Mallards, totally oblivious to the fact that half the park visitors were mourning the fact that it was no more!
We can only assume that it became seperated from its family when the whole of the park was ’spooked’ for whatever reason on Monday. The even better news now is that at least we know they can survive a short time on their own.
June 4th, 2009 in
News, Swan Blog - 2009
The reason your little signet is still alive is that I had to rescue it from deaths jaws. It had become entangled in disgarded fishing line and had become trapped on the island.
After seeing it while fishing myself and seeing it wasn’t able to free its self I tried to call the RSPCA but was unable to get any response so I returned home for my waders and then went out to the island to free it. After freeing it me and my son, who helped me, returned it to its family only to be attacked by the mother…..happily they all swam off together!!! Anglers: Please take your litter home with you. We the “responsible” anglers are sick and tired of tidying up after you. Tin cans litter line and other discarded rubbish are constantly having to be cleared up after you. If this continues the council will call a halt to fishing in the park. You have been warned!
Anon,
Brilliant! On behalf of the vistors to the park and in particular the Friends of Sandall Park can we thank you for your actions – trust me, you have made a lot of people very happy.
It is a bone of contention that fishermen and the wildlife in the park cannot live side by side. I don’t agree – responsible action by fishermen like yourself WILL ensure that both can exist together. But you are right to point out that irresponsible actions by others may put at risk fishing in the park. Only yesterday one of our members assisted a member of the public whose dog had a fishing hook in its paw.
The wildlife in the park is going through a tough time at the moment – we actually see the responsible fishermen as the guardians of the lake. Thanks for your comment and thanks for saving the life of one of the parks current star attractions.
Don Crabtree
FOSP
Sadly we were in the Park on the Saturday when “Lucky” was discovered under the hedge.
We then went on holiday and returned to the news that not only was last year’s cygnet gone forever but the Cob was also no longer with us.
We walked in the park on Wednesday morning (3rd June) and didn’t see either the mother or the cygnets, so I am delighted to hear that they are all still doing well (just)
As a note about the availability of the RSPCA, I telephoned the RSPCA number on the Noticeboard (03001234999) spoke to the call centre, left my contact details and within the hour I was able to describe to the lady from the RSPCA exactly where we had seen Lucky, so I was quite impressed.
Ian,
You must have seen us with the RSPCA officer – I wondered how she knew Lucky was under there!
Thanks for that – I’m also as impressed with the way visitors to the park have taken the wildlife to heart and are actually taking action – including yourself.
Doing volunteer work in the park at times seems a lonely business but the comments and E mails we have had in the last week has made it all seem worthwhile.
Thanks to everyone who has sent us comments and E mails – it is very much appreciated.
Last Sunday when Carolyne and I were doing a litter pick Carolyne picked up loads of fishing line. Then on Monday when Graham and I were on the football field we saw a Canadian goose fly overhead with some fishing line dangling from its leg. I wondered how long it would take for the decent and responsible fishermen to get annoyed with the irresponsible stupid ones. The health and welfare of the birds and pets are paramount.
I have had to call the RSPCA out for the little one as his lag had swollen badly.They were called Sat am and hopefully have been and assessed it.
Last night there were only 3 cygnets on the lake hopefully this is the reason.
Anon,
Thanks for the update and your action – fingers crossed!
Anon
Hi I have just come back from the lake and there are still 4 little ones on the island with Mum. He’s still alive and they’re still all together as a family. Looking good so far.
Anon,
Phew – I’m exhausted just following this story! I’m telling you if all four survive we should throw a party!!!!!
We’ll be down in the park for the next few days so we’ll try and report back.
Stressful or what?
Visited 10am Monday 08/06/09 – all cygnets are with the mother and are being looked after by her. The RSPCA were there (they had been several times over the weekend) but could not catch the cygnet with the bad leg – (smart cookie kept swimming over to the island to escape!)
I will put some pictures on later today as a news item.