Accidents

The most common cause of serious accidents to swans is flying into overhead power lines. Swans usually fly in the morning and evening when the glare does not allow them to see the lines in time. Their weight prevents them from turning in time. These accidents are usually fatal or if they survive they are often paralysed. We have had reports of such accidents happening in the Maree, Oranmore area, Abbeyknockmoy, Dunmore, Portumna, Headford and Gort areas. Both Mute swans and the migratory Whooper swans have been involved in these accidents.

Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue is appealing to the public to exercise extreme care when parking and driving away in the vicinity of the Claddagh Hall and Claddagh Quay. Swans lie beside the cars and do not get up when an engine starts. Since September 2008 nine swans have been driven over and killed and a few more were so badly injured they had to be euthanaised.

The emergency phone number is 086 3826471

I can also be contacted on 086 8155361

Migration

Flocks of Whooper Swans have arrived from Iceland to spend the Winter months grazing and feeding on turloughs and grasslands. They have been seen at Rahasane in Craughwell.

Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue.

Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue is in operation for more than seven years. We are a small voluntary group based in Galway City. We are involved in the protection and conservation of all wetland birds, indigenous and migratory. We rescue and treat injured and weak birds. It is great to release a healthy bird back into it's own territory.
We do call outs around the city and county. We also do rescues in surrounding counties. We are called by members of the public, the Gardaí, G.S.P.C.A, Sports Grounds and Golf Clubs. A lot of our work involves giving advice over the phone. We get calls seeking advice from all over the country as we appear to be the only voluntary group providing this service for the city, county and the people of Ireland.