Sleeping Beauties

[Chocky]

Found this par resting on the quay side at Topsham docks

[Merlin]

Beryl Iv'e looked long and hard at this image before making any comments but must ask if you saw either/both of these two with their heads up. They have no 'knob' and in any case are rather small for Mute Swans ......Whooper/Bewicks ?


Pete.

[Chocky]

Here is another standing close by
We have only ever had one Whooper swan here on the river Otter and it flew away a couple f years ago
They have orange legs too. But I think they are young just reached adult I don't know

[Babs]

Sleeping beauties lovely image Beryl

[Chocky]

Thanks Babs. I'm not sure what type they are . One looked up briefly but I didn't notice. I think Pete may be right as there is no black at the base of the beak it is yellow

[Merlin]

This has become even more interesting now that you have said the word 'yellow' Beryl. However, its a little early for Bewick's Swans and the necks really look too short for Whooper Swans, in any case whats the area like for either of these swans Beryl ? In other words do they turn up here in the winter ?


Pete.

[rolf]

Look more like snow Geese, no marking or colour in front of the eye and a rough feather pattern on the neck.

[Merlin]

I have a leaning towards 'geese'......too small for swans exept Bewicks. Not Snow Geese though Rolf.


Pete.

[rolf]

You never know Pete.

But probably just white domestic Geese.

[Chocky]

You could be right. They may well be a pair of escaped domestic geese
They have orange legs if one look closely.
Maybe I should change the thread's title ?

[Chocky]

Have changed the title of this thread as I think we are agreed they are geese.
As there is a photo of a Swan I will leave the thread where it is

[Merlin]

Yes, I too think 'farmyard' geese. Snow Geese have black primary wing tips which would show at rest as in Beryls photograph Rolf.


Pete.

[Chocky]

We had a pair of Goslings in the brook in the park. in August.When I came back from my holls they were gone. They came down the brook from a Pub further up Witheycombe and the musts have swum down the brook to the park. The Pub have had white geese for years. My guess is they found there way further down the brook and into the estuary and followed the Swans to Topsham.