Problem is, I don't always recognise the difference and do mistake the fish food for my food and get myself into all sorts of trouble, as that sharp, spikey thing called a hook with its long tail called line gets caught in my mouth, or my neck, or even hooks into my leg and the line wraps itself around my body. I must say I do then get frightened and can panic making a bad situation worse. Maybe you panic too, but please don't do that and please don't tug at the line to free the hook as you will tear my mouth and possibly even my throat if I have swallowed the hook. Cut the line free and make a note of exactly where you have seen me and the time. Then telephone the Swan Sanctuary on 01784 431667 and give them the details. They will send someone who knows what to do to help me.
It may be you have not caught me, but someone else has. Please don't let me swim by without your helping me, still 'phone that number I gave you. Some signs for you to look for to help you understand if I am not O.K. are:
- Look at my neck - if you see a lump that is not moving, it could be a hook caught deep inside.
- If I don't want to eat, it could be line caught around my beak and tongue, so fine you cannot see it.
- If I am shaking my head a lot and noot holding my neck properly but flat on my back, and am looking very weak, I could have swallowed some lead weight left long ago before you humans knew how dangerous lead was for me. You see I feed from the bottom of the river and bury my beak into the silt where lead is often hiding. I need help fast if I am not going to die.
Apart from the food on the water a huge problem is pollution. This may be the plastic bags you brought your sandwiches in, or the plastic rings from bottles. Then there's the drinks cans, rubber bands and also netting and lines that have been left behind after people enjoying the riverside have gone home - so many things lie in wait to surprise me. Please make sure you take this rubbish home with you, and tell your friends about the importance of not dropping litter.
I have been to the Swan Sanctuary once because I had oil on my feathers - a passing boat dumped it right where I was swimming and did not realise that with oil on my feathers I can't swim properly. When I try to clean it off, the filthy stuff chokes me and damages my insides. If you see oil on the water, 'phone the Environment Agency, or the Swan Sanctuary.
Thank you, as you anglers are like guardians of my river.
I would like to add that Linda and Dot and the team down at the Swan Sanctuary work very hard to keep Swans and other wildfowl safe on our rivers and lakes. We must all do our very best to keep them out of work.
I would like to thank them for allowing us to visit there sanctuary.
Please remember their number 01784 431667 24 hours