Bewick's Swans early = Cold Winter

[Stewy]

The sudden arrival of the first migrating Siberian swans means Britain is in for a harsh winter, experts have warned.

Any truth in this?

Early swans are sign of a harsh winter to come - Telegraph

[andy68]

I doubt the 'experts' said anything of the sort - that's typical journalistic licence! Birds are no more able to predict the future than we are, but what it probably means is that the weather in Siberia has got colder earlier than usual.

In the same vein, a Smew at Rutland Water yesterday was the second earliest ever arrival. The previous earliest was in October 1991, and I don't remember that winter being particularly cold.

Andy

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by andy68

I doubt the 'experts' said anything of the sort - that's typical journalistic licence! Birds are no more able to predict the future than we are, but what it probably means is that the weather in Siberia has got colder earlier than usual.

In the same vein, a Smew at Rutland Water yesterday was the second earliest ever arrival. The previous earliest was in October 1991, and I don't remember that winter being particularly cold.

Andy

I'm guessing that this might also explain the good numbers of Great Grey Shrikes moving into the country at the moment?
I'm really hoping for a Waxwing winter, I wasn't using the internet last time there was a big influx so even though there were some within 10 miles of my home I didn't get to see them!
Guy