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National Tree Day Planet Ark Home
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A Mute Swan is Held By a Swan Upper |
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| UK: July 15, 2008 | ||
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A mute swan is held by a Swan Upper before it's cygnets are checked, weighed and tagged during the annual Swan Upping on the river Thames in Staines, southern England.
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The ceremony of Swan Upping dates from the twelfth century and takes place during the third week of July every year. It has always been the duty of the Sovereign's Swan Marker to count the number of young cygnets each year and ensure that the swan population is maintained. The swans and young cygnets are also assessed for any signs of injury or disease.
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Story by Stephen Hird |
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Photo by STEPHEN HIRD |
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REUTERS NEWS PICTURE SERVICE
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