Update 23rd June : breeding at 43 sites.
We now have good numbers of cygnet records in addition to the nests found earlier this year. Please check the map for further details – thank you for all of the records, and please keep looking, there are sites still to be checked. (In addition to the 43, the map includes 5 out of county sites which are very close to the Hertfordshire boundary).
The Herts Bird Club is organising a Mute Swan breeding survey this year, in the hope that we can build a complete picture of the breeding status of this iconic species in the county
The last Hertfordshire survey was 20 years ago in 2002 and recorded 62 nests, of which 41 produced broods of cygnets.
For this survey, we would like all records of Mute Swan nests and broods of cygnets submitted to the Herts Bird Club website, ideally with a grid reference so we can map them accurately
An interactive Google Map has been created here, initially showing known nest sites from recent years, and this will be updated on a regular basis to show the breeding records for this year as they are received. The pins indicate the general area rather than the exact location of nests
Please submit records using our record submission page here
Whilst looking for Mute Swans, why not also submit records of other waterbirds? We are always keen to receive breeding records, especially for species such as Great Crested and Little Grebe, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and any duck species
Colour-ring sightings: Many Mute Swans in Hertfordshire are colour-ringed, and so in addition we would welcome any details of ring numbers with your observations. Whether breeding or not, colour-ring sightings should also be sent to Mike Reed, who will also provide a full history of the bird on request – contact details here
Injured or distressed Mute Swans: any birds that are injured or in any sort of distress should be reported to Swan Rescue Hertfordshire – contact details here
