Britain’s annual swan count begins on River Thames, continuing medieval tradition

Britain’s swan count starts on River Thames

LONDON — An entourage of royal boatmen has set out on stretches of the River Thames in England to begin this year’s count of the waterway’s swan population— an annual practice dating back to medieval times.

Monday marks the start of the five-day “Swan Upping.” The ceremonial census aims to provide an updated count of the number of young cygnets and ensure the swan population is maintained.

Britain’s monarch has claimed ownership rights to all mute swans on the country’s waterways since the 12th century. The graceful birds were often served as a delicacy at royal banquets, and today, the swans are counted — but no longer eaten.

David Barber, the Queen’s Swan Marker, said many swans died in the past year from the cold weather and attacks by youths.