TBOSG     Whooper Swan - Cygnus cygnus

 
 

Formerly and correctly spelt Hooper the name is imitative of the powerful double rising note depending on whether the birds are feeding, calling to one another or sounding an alarm. The name swan is derived from the Old English words; ilfetu, ilfete and ilfette which are probably of French origin and from the two Latin words 'sonus' and 'swonos' both meaning sound or noise. Some historical names for Whooper Swan include; Elerch and Elk.

   

Earliest: October 29th 1983 at Oldbury Power Station.

Latest: March 29th 2008 at Severn Beach.

Highest Count: Five on November 13th 1983 at Northwick Warth.
   

There have been fourteen Whooper Swans reported in S. Gloucestershire, they are;
   

2009: (2)

Two were noted over Aust Warth on the afternoon of the 10th November;
   

2008: (1)

An adult was seen in flight low south-west over Severn Beach on March 29th.
   

2005: (2)

On January 13th two adults were found at Northwick Warth and were present in the area from January 13th - 16th when they departed north-east.
   

 

Whooper Swans on Northwick Warth. January 2005. © Paul Bowerman & Gary Thoburn.
   

2000: (1)

On December 23rd an individual was observed at Oldbury Power Station in flight and heading north-east.
   

1983: (8)

One was noted on the 'silt lagoon' at Oldbury Power Station on October 29th; Five were seen on November 13th in flight over Northwick Warth, they were all adults and were last seen departing east; Two were identified on December 4th on Tortworth Court Lake.

 

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