Barnes Pond cygnets relocated to the River Thames at Kingston

The Barnes Pond cygnets have been relocated by the Swan Sanctuary to the flock of juveniles found along the Kingston stretch of the Thames and the white or leucistic one to the Swan Sanctuary.

At this time of year adults chase last year’s young from the territory as they prepare to breed once more. Due the number and height of surrounding trees and buildings at Barnes Pond, a swan must make several laps of the pond before reaching sufficient height which is difficult for younger, less developed birds. To prevent possible misfortune the cygnets are now generally moved directly to the Thames each year. They are also monitored at the Kingston site and the news from the Swan Sanctuary is that they are very healthy.