US EditionKing Charles’ Annual Swan Census Begins on the River Thames
GREATER LONDON, ENGLAND, JUL 14 – The census monitors mute swan health amid recent population declines linked to avian flu, with only 86 young swans recorded last year, a 45% drop from the previous year.
- Beginning on July 14, 2025, the annual five-day Swan Upping survey took place along the River Thames, from Sunbury Lock to Abingdon Bridge, to monitor the mute swan population under the stewardship of King Charles III.
- Swan Upping dates to the 12th century, originally to assert the crown's ownership of all mute swans, once important for royal banquets, while now swans are legally protected from hunting.
- During the census, Swan Uppers in traditional scarlet uniforms weigh, measure, and ring young cygnets to monitor health, growth, and signs of disease amid ongoing threats like avian flu and pollution.
- King's Swan Marker David Barber, leading the event for over 30 years, noted a 45% decline in young swans two years ago due mainly to avian influenza, with only 86 cygnets found in 2024 and 16 recorded on day one this year.
- The census offers crucial data on swan populations, helps track conservation needs, includes educational outreach for local children, and will conclude on July 18, 2025, at Abingdon Bridge.
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King Charles' annual swan census begins on the River Thames
The annual five-day census of swans belonging to King Charles III has begun along the River Thames. The centuries-old tradition involves inspecting members of the mute swan species.
·United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left7Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 43%
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