Prowling foxes attacking stranded swans at Strathclyde Park

Jan 20 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

FURTHER concern has been raised over the welfare of pond birds at Strathclyde Park Loch.

Park-goers claim a number of swans have been hunted and killed by foxes in recent months resulting in pleas for more to be done to protect the birds.

During the recent cold snap, the water in the loch iced over with some patches of ice measuring up to 14” thick.

This meant predators, such as foxes, had easy access to the swans who were forced on to the ice.

The loch is also the habitat for ducks, geese and coots.

One concerned park-goer, who asked not to be named, said: “The majority of the loch was frozen solid, and it’s only recently that it’s begun to thaw out.

“At one point, the ice was around 14” deep and this meant the birds had little access to the water and were forced to sit on top of the ice.

“These were the ideal conditions for foxes to strike as they could run right across the ice and grab their prey.”

Motherwell resident Frances McKnight, along with her husband Alan, have been shredding vegetables every night for the last two winters to take to Strathclyde Park to feed the birds.

With the loch frozen over, the swans, ducks, geese and coots were having difficulty finding food.

The couple are also aware that foxes are hunting the birds and they have so far rescued four swans in recent months.

Frances said: “As well as the problem of the birds not being able to find food when the loch is frozen over, we are also aware that foxes are grabbing swans and other birds off the ice.

“We recently saw an injured swan in the middle of the loch and reported it to the SSPCA, however, it was too late and a fox came along and ripped it apart.

“Because of the sheer size of the bird, the fox could not lift it all off the ice and so returned the following day for the carcass.”

Frances continued: “I am still not happy with the park rangers down at the loch and their attitude towards the swans. They are resident in the park and should be doing more through incentives, maybe by working with schools, and asking for food from other sources to help the birds, so it’s not costing the local authority.

“I have emailed the rangers with my concerns, but I’ve still had no response.”

Tom McGregor, former nature diary writer for the Hamilton Advertiser, commented: “We can all appreciate the concerns but, to be honest, people cannot dare risk their lives by going out on the ice on the loch to rescue the swans.

“I’m sure also that, if people could launch the boats to get to the swans, they would, but I’m almost certain in this weather they cannot even do that.

“It’s a sad situation but it’s nature red in tooth and claw, and the foxes will attack the swans when they can get to them.”