BIBURY SWANS: BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

The River Coln attracts much wildlife to Bibury, including the rare black swan in this mini-vid. However, the birds must also regard tourist offerings as easy pickings, and this one is no exception.

I’ve always been brought up to, “Never feed the swans David - they’re bad tempered and a wing flap could break your arm”. I don’t really know how true this is, but I’m not chancing MY arm!

Research for this piece has also raised doubt on another belief of mine, that all swans belong to the Queen. I’m told that in reality, it’s just 'unmarked mute swans on open water', and that even that right is only extended to parts of the Thames and its tributaries.

Right then, roast swan for dinner everyone? Maybe not!