Swan census tracks diverging fortunes of UK and Ireland's wintering swans

Volunteers in the UK and Ireland are taking part in the six-yearly international swan census to count whooper and Bewick's swans; the UK's whooper winter population is now about 20,000 while Bewick's were reported at roughly 700 in early 2025.

Volunteers across the UK and Ireland are taking part in the six-yearly international swan census this weekend. The survey records wintering whooper and Bewick's swans and was last carried out in January 2020. Whoopers in the UK mainly come from Iceland, while Bewick's swans generally migrate from Siberia. The census is part of a broader international effort that also counts these species across parts of Europe and Asia. Key details: - The census focuses on overwintering whooper and Bewick's swans in the UK and Ireland. - The UK's winter whooper population has risen to about 20,000 over the past 25 years. - Bewick's swan numbers have fallen sharply, with about 700 reported in early 2025, concentrated at a few sites in southern England. - The international survey covers a wide range including Iceland, continental northwest Europe, the Black Sea region, the eastern Mediterranean and central Asia. - Organisers report that a recent run of mild winters may be linked to improved whooper survival and to fewer Bewick's swans crossing to the UK and Ireland. Summary: The count will provide updated figures to inform understanding of changing wintering patterns and population trends. Undetermined at this time.