‘Admire them from a distance’ – RSPB give advice after nesting swans in Roker Park become parents
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The swans took up residence at the pond in Roker Park during April when their usual nesting area had been disturbed – opting for a location right on the edge of the water, next to a busy footpath.
Following discussions with the RSPCA and other partners, Sunderland City Council decided to put a fence around the pair in order to stop people from disturbing them further.
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Hide AdNow one of the three eggs in the nest has hatched and a cygnet spotted keeping close to it’s mother.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have urged members of the public to ensure that they admire the swans from a distance and keep dogs away from them.
A spokesperson for the RSPB said: “Since the birds, their nests, eggs and chicks are legally protected they must be left exactly where they are.
"If everyone remains mindful and cautious, it’s just a case of bearing with the birds and trying to reduce potential conflict.
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Hide Ad“Keeping dogs on leads and admiring them from a distance is best practice.
"The young birds will be able to fly normally when they are between 120-150 days old. They will stay with their parents for around 6 months.”
You can visit https://www.theswansanctuary.org.uk/ for further information.