Separated swan couple reunited after helping hand from Bray-based rescue centre

A swan couple were reunited by Bray-based rescue centre Swan Support after one of them got stuck on a weir last week.

The swan had been there a couple of days, so the non-profit (based at Bray Lakes) was called to the scene. They found that the stuck swan 'seemed healthy and was feeding', and they also made another discovery.

There was another swan sitting above the weir, and rescuers were unsure this was down to a territory dispute or 'just a couple taking a break.'

It turned out they were a bonded pair. The female had gone over the weir and, in the middle of her annual moult, could not get back up.

With 'careful teamwork', rescuers helped her out and reunited her with her patient partner.

"After some head bobs and chatter they paddled off together," Swan Support reported on its Facebook page.

Mute swans moult each year between June and August, losing and regrowing their flight feathers over four to six weeks. During most of this time, they cannot fly and 'may look a bit scruffy.'

In breeding pairs, the female moults first, followed by the male, so one of them can always stay on guard and protect the territory.

"Growing new feathers takes a lot of energy, which is why moulting happens when food is plentiful," wrote Swan Support. "If you see moulting swans, feel free to support them with safe foods like leafy greens, corn, porridge oats, floating pellets, and even bread, as long as it’s not mouldy."