Swans in trouble.

At this time of year many swans are on the move. Some are searching for territories of their own. Others are trying to attract mates! Many land in unfriendly places where they are attacked by resident swans. Others land on wet roads mistaking them for rivers. Some land in small gardens or yards and cannot leave as there isn't sufficient length for a take off. We have received several calls from all over the country seeking advice. We got calls from Camus and Carraroe in Connemara, from Dublin city and county, Cork city, Ennis, Co. Clare and all over the county.

On Bank Holiday Monday a swan landed on the Headford road near Carrowbrown. The Gardai asked me to help. A passing motorist stopped and took it off the road. Unfortunately, it had been hit by one or two cars. It was badly bruised. I took the poor thing with me. Some pain relief was administered. I was afraid of internal injuries and bleeding. The swan took a turn for the worse next day and died peacefully.