The sad incident in Queen’s Park is understood to have taken place between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Sunday.
The deceased cygnet is the one in the left foreground of the photo(Image: Friends of Queens Park)
A Glasgow charity is appealing for witnesses to come forward after a juvenile cygnets died in a popular southside park. The sad incident in Queen’s Park is understood to have taken place between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Sunday, January 4.
According to Friends of Queens Park, the young swan is likely to have died from an impact when making an awkward or slippy landing on the ice.
The group believe the cygnet, along with its family, decided to fly to the boatshed end of the pond – their favourite territorial hangout – which was fully iced over on both water and pathway.
The death has been reported to the park rangers and to DEFRA, because the swan will have to be checked for avian flu.
In a statement on Facebook, the group said: “It is with great sadness we report one of the juvenile cygnets died yesterday in the park. Its death illustrates how vulnerable our lovely wildlife is at this harsh time of year.
“We think it died from an impact when making an awkward slippy landing on the ice when it, along with its family, decided to fly to the boatshed end of the pond – their favourite territorial hang out – which was fully iced over on both water and pathway.
“We have reported the death to the park rangers, and to DEFRA because the swan will have to be checked for avian flu. Its injury and death took place sometime between 12:30 and 13:30 on Sunday 4th January.
“If you saw anything happen or the bird in distress please let us know the details as it will help construct a better picture.”
The group shared ways to help keep the swans safe and healthy during the freezing cold weather. This includes keeping dogs on the lead around the pond areas and not letting pets pull close to the birds, and giving the birds a respectful space.
Visitors are also urged not to skate or walk on the ice near the birds or play with radio-controlled toys or throw anything near where the birds are gathered.
Park-goers are encouraged to provide the birds with nutritious food, which will help them keep warm, including dried mealworms, oats, and special fortified swan and duck food such as ‘Wild Things’, ‘Brambles’ or ‘Charnwood’. Lettuce, spinach, kale or greens all shredded, peas and sweetcorn, and grains are also good, as well as wholemeal or a good-quality brown bread.
However, members of the public are urged to avoid feeding birds white bread and human processed foods like sweets, chocolate, biscuits, cakes, junk food or cooked food and definitely not mouldy breads/foods. Raw or cooked offal and meats of any kind should also not be used.
The group has urged anyone who wishes to report injured wildlife to contact the Scottish SPCA. Anyone with concerns about the swans is encouraged to contact the charity directly here.