THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
WHOOPER SWAN – Cygnus cygnus
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Formerly and correctly spelt Hooper the name is imitative of the powerful double rising note depending on weather 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.
There have been twelve Whooper Swans reported in S. Gloucestershire, they are;
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.
2000: (1)
On December 23rd an individual was observed at Oldbury Power Station in flight and heading north-east.
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.
2008: (1)
A adult was seen in flight low south over Severn Beach on March 29th;