I count myself lucky to have the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Welney right on my doorstep, and paid my regular visit to their swan feed this week, one of the highlights of my winter.

It was sad to see a couple of dead swans trapped in the ice. A warden informed my friend that autopsies had been carried out on dead swans and the results showed how some deaths were caused by them swallowing pellets lying in fields, as well as perhaps other unsavoury items in the area, including fishing line. These autopsies also warn whether environmental factors are a contributory factor which keeps us fully informed about the state of our habitat and any potential dangers to our feathered friends.

I recommend you drive over to see these fabulous, graceful swans, the Beswicks and Whoopers, as well as thousands of ducks and other waterbirds, if you get the chance, and the hugely popular  floodlit feed at 6.30pm is really worth the visit. I couldn’t resist recording a video of the swan feed while I was there.