Swans near the M5 somerset (1 Viewer)

[mijmoth1]

Travelling south on the M5 just past the Clevedon exit, on Friday (2nd March), I noticed in the field off to the left about 25+ swans seemly grazzing in the middle of the field ( not on water). Having not seen this before i am interested to know why or what they were. It seems that it is habit of Bewick swans rather than the more usual Mute swans. Could anyone confirm this please.

 

[nickderry]

Mute Swans can often be seen grazing too, no way of knowing if they were Mute or not, but by far the likeliest.

 

[robinm]

I used to drive that stretch of the M5 fairly regularly and have often seen Mute Swans grazing as you describe.

 

[davercox]

Yes, we saw at least 20 where you describe on Feb 15th. Definitely Mutes.

 

[Ficedula]

Yes, we saw at least 20 where you describe on Feb 15th. Definitely Mutes.

they were there on Sunday 26, prob closer to 30, all Mutes.

 

[mijmoth1]

thank you. I must admit that I had not seen them before and did not have a chance to stop and take a closer look.

 

[dantheman]

There used to be a regular wintering flock of 30 or so Bewick's on the Somerset Levels. Is that a thing of the past?

 

[davercox]

Believe so, yes.