‘Admire them from a distance’ – RSPB give advice after nesting swans in Roker Park become parents

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.

Now 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.

“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.”

The swans have struck up quite the response within the local community, leading to ecologist Julie Dyson to set up a fundraiser to provide them with a raft which would offer them a safe place.

You can visit https://www.theswansanctuary.org.uk/ for further information.

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