Swans under special surveillance? An appeal for distance in admiring nature

The swan is terrified. She uses her entire body to protect her chicks from danger. Not so much from predators, but from homegrown paparazzi who, taking selfies, almost enter her nest. People at Jeleni Staw clearly lack "common sense and respect for wildlife". Hence the interpellation of three city councilors to protect the swans nesting in Kijewo.

The nest at Jeleni Staw became a local attraction long before the seven chicks appeared in it. It is now literally besieged by onlookers. While some observe the nesting pair with their young from a distance, others try to get as close as possible – ignoring the agitation of the wild birds. Apparently unaware that the adults – under great stress – may even abandon the young.

Alarm signals in this matter reached not only animal rights activists, but also city councillors: Zuzanna Jeleniewska, Ilona Milewska and Małgorzata Wleklak (Civic Coalition). Hence their intervention regarding the "need to take immediate protective measures against nesting swans". In an interpellation addressed to the mayor of Szczecin, they wrote, among other things: "We ask for immediate securing of the area around the nest by erecting a temporary fence and information boards warning against approaching the birds. Engagement of appropriate services, such as the City Guard, the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection or the Municipal Services Plant, in order to monitor the situation and intervene in cases of inappropriate behaviour of visitors. Conducting a campaign aimed at educating residents on the importance of protecting wild birds and the legal consequences resulting from disturbing them".

– We emphasize that a quick reaction is crucial to ensuring the safety of the chicks and enabling them to grow up peacefully in their natural environment – ​​the councilors said.

Mute swans are strictly protected species. During the breeding season, even disturbing them, deliberately scaring them away, is prohibited. This is punishable by criminal liability.

– Spring is the time when swans take care of their chicks. It is a beautiful sight, but it requires us to be sensible and respectful towards wildlife. Therefore: do not approach the young, do not touch them and do not allow children to take them in their arms, do not scare the birds, because they may leave the nest or attack in defense of the young – warns Paulina Seweryniak, manager of Zwierzogrod Wielgowo. – Touching wild birds can be dangerous for humans, because it is associated with the risk of transferring pathogens: bird flu, salmonella, etc. Swans are large and strong birds, so a flap of their wings will easily break the bones of a child, and if they hit it hard, even the arms of an adult. Let's give the swans peace and space. Let's observe them from a distance. This is the most beautiful and safest way to admire nature.

The president has not yet responded to the councilors' interpellation. No information boards have yet appeared at Jeleni Staw, warning against the responsibility for scaring away birds. ©℗

A. NALEWAJKO