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Mystery over missing cygnets at Wellingborough Embankment
A lack of cygnets at a Wellingborough beauty spot is causing concern to a bird charity.
More than 50 adult swans are on the waters of the Embankment this summer but, unlike in other years, there are no baby swans.
The unusual sight of an older group of swans has raised questions over the possibility of predators – both animal and human.
RSPB spokesman Grahame Madge said: "It is very unusual for some of the birds not to have bred over the past year.
"The fact that there are so many birds would suggest that there are swans who would breed. Much like the human population you would expect to see younger and older members of the community.
"It could be down to a natural predator – a fox may have taken the eggs and the young, but again it would be unusual for every egg and every cygnet to have been taken.
"There is the sad possibility that the eggs could have been taken by a human and occasionally we have heard of acts of vandalism like this.
"There is the notion that these swans are royal birds but in reality all wild birds and their eggs are protected by the wildlife and country act. Anyone disturbing these animals, their nests or their eggs could be prosecuted."
Regional RSPCA workers had initially thought that the swans were breeding elsewhere – but residents are sure this isn't the case.
Lynette and Ronald Cave, of Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough, are some of those concerned about the lack of cygnets.
Mrs Cave said: "We are sure that the eggs have been smashed but who would want to do something like that? Cygnets are so pretty and the wildlife at the Embankment is what makes it alive.
"I hope that someone can go and watch the area for a while. Perhaps there should be a CCTV camera."
The council has now pledged to ensure the swans at the site are safe.
Cllr Malcolm Waters said: "Now it's been brought to our attention we have alerted our staff to be extra vigilant.
"If any member of the public has any concerns about the welfare of the swans or the eggs, they can contact the council or the RSPB."
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Weather for Kettering
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 5 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
