First of the swans returns to Arctic

The first Bewick’s swan of the season has left the UK and set off for the Arctic, signalling that warmer weather is on the way.

Leho the swan arrived at WWT Welney on Dec 15 and has ended the winter season in Norfolk by starting its 1,500-mile trip back to summer dwellings in Arctic Russia.

After leaving the reserve at 7am, the swan crossed the North Sea in two and a half hours, spent the afternoon in the Netherlands, then flew on to Germany.

At this time of year, swans prepare for the journey by resting, feeding and making practice runs to build up their stamina for the migration. Bewick’s swans fly to the UK to take shelter for the winter before returning for spring breeding in Russia’s Arctic Circle.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) tracks the birds with sophisticated technology in an international protection project. Samantha Herbert