SHEPPERTON, UK: Royal officials clad in scarlet outfits have took to the River Thames in traditional boats for the annual “Swan Upping” ceremony, an 800-year-old tradition of counting the swans owned by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, a British wire service reported.
Teams in old fashioned skiffs will row up a stretch of the river over the next five days to carry out the annual census of the birds, shouting “all up” when they come across a mute swan and its family of young cygnets.
“We will lift the whole family out of the water, we will take them ashore, we weigh them, measure them and check them for any injuries,” David Barber, the queen’s Swan Marker, told Reuters. “You have a population of swans that hasn’t changed much since the mid 1800s.”
The ancient ceremony dates back to the 12th century when the English crown first claimed ownership of all mute swans, which have long curved necks, orange beaks and white feathers and were then considered a delicacy that would be served at banquets.
“These days it’s nothing to do with eating swan, it’s all about conservation and education,” said Barber, who has carried out his job for 26 years.
The river was much busier than in the original days of the swan upping and the birds, which are protected by law, were losing their natural nesting grounds, he added.
A high number were dying or having their nests destroyed as a result of dog attacks while fishing tackle also resulted in injuries. He said he would be pleased if they found about 100 cygnets this year. The queen shares ownership of mute swans on the Thames with the old trade associations of the Vintners and Dyers who also join in the upping.
In an interview with a private TV channel on Friday, the senator said, “Making independent members senators is a...
All the lawyers requested that the court seek decisions from the AG regarding the release of these 20 individuals
Rehman emphasized that restoration and adherence to Constitution would encompass democracy within political parties,...
Court after hearing the matter for more than three hours, telecasted live, sought replies from the federal government...
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. —Radio PakistanISLAMABAD. All the witnesses have been...
Former prime minister, MNA Raja Pervez Ashraf speaking on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day at the National...