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While at West Belconnen Pond today taking a weekly
video of the swan chicks (now 5 weeks old) I noticed something on the high
voltage powerlines to the west of the pond. It turned out to be a dead
swan which seemed be hanging by one wing from the line. Because of the
separation of the lines, electrocution would not be possible. While I
realise that collisions with powerlines are a risk and that swans do
fly at night, I did not realise that a single powerline
could be such a significant hazard.
As the chicks I am photographing were only
accompanied by one parent today, I am interested to know if the second parent is
still around as this may impact on the development of the chicks. So far
all 6 chicks have survived with the very dilligent attention of 2
parents. I have observed one parent taking a break from the chicks
sometimes, so the other adult may have been one of the other swans on the pond
but generally the parent having a break has stayed close by. Today the closest
other swan was on the other side of the pond.
If anyone is in the area and observes two adults
with the chicks could they please let me know.
Thanks
Steve
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