On July 14, the British government launched the annual “Swan Upping” ceremony, a five-day event to check the number and health of swans in the River Thames. This British royal tradition dates back hundreds of years to the 12th century.
According to reports from the Associated Press, these wild swans belong to King Charles III of England. According to ancient folklore, the British monarch has ownership of all mute swans in public waters in England.
Every July, a team carefully selected and composed of rowers is tasked with searching for swans in a specific section of the River Thames. When they locate swan families, they quickly surround them with boats, then mark and check them for signs of illness or injury.
Leading the event is David Barber, who has been in charge for over thirty years, earning the title of “King’s Swan Marker.”
Barber stated, “It’s a tradition, but I believe it also serves a very practical purpose.”
Accompanying him is a veterinarian and rowers dressed in three different colors – red representing the king, white representing the Vintners’ Company, and blue stripes representing the Dyers’ Company. The latter two were medieval London trade guilds that obtained ownership of some swans in the River Thames in the 15th century.
This swan census will continue until July 18. Barber’s team sets off from Sunbury in the London suburbs, traveling upstream 80 miles to Abingdon.
Barber noted that while swans are now protected by law and hunting is prohibited, they still face threats from disease, pollution, human disturbances, and abuse.
He mentioned that the swan population has decreased in the past two years, mainly due to outbreaks of avian flu across the UK. Last year’s census only found 86 young swans, a 45% decrease from the year before.
However, he seemed confident at the end of the first day of this year’s event. They recorded a total of 16 young swans that day.
As part of the activities, the young swans must be weighed and measured to check their growth rate and health status.
Barber said that the growth of young swans is threatened by avian flu. Fortunately, there has been a decrease in cases in the Thames area in recent months. “The river has been calm in recent weeks, which is also beneficial for young swans to learn how to navigate waterways with their parents.”
For scientific research purposes, Barber’s team members will attach unique identification rings from the British Trust for Ornithology to the young swans.
Along the way, local schoolchildren are invited to watch the event and ask questions. They are fascinated by the swans and have many interesting questions to ask.
Barber said, “The children enthusiastically demonstrate their understanding of swans and their habitat, which is very rewarding, and their participation in our procession along the way is always delightful.”
After the conclusion of this Swan Upping event, Barber will submit an annual report.