The silence of the swans: new report highlights concern for much-loved birds - British Trust for Ornithology
A new report published today (Thursday 22 May) by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), in partnership with RSPB and JNCC, reveals impacts of Avian Influenza on Mute Swans across the UK.
The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) report also highlights the importance of maintaining protected areas for key wintering and migratory wildfowl and waders.
The UK is host to internationally important numbers of wintering waterbirds, and the long-standing WeBS and Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) provide essential data that inform decision makers when considering conservation measures for these birds.
With data provided by over 3,800 dedicated volunteers across the UK, the surveys deliver an annual assessment of ducks, geese, swans, waders, and other waterbirds residing on, or passing through, our coasts, estuaries, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
The 2023/24 WeBS report reveals yet more changes in the fortunes of many of our wildfowl and waders.
Rarely far from the headlines, High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, has been wreaking havoc in certain species in recent years. Along with seabirds, wildfowl are amongst those groups of wild birds that have been severely hit. This is due partly to the fact that these birds often congregate in large numbers, which allows the virus to spread rapidly.
Read the PR for the full report with JNCC here
Posted On: 23/05/2025
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