its highly possible that it is the same bird. The Whooper cygnets are generally mostly all white by the time they fly back to Iceland, Just a few smudges of brown on the head, neck and back give it away and of course the lemony coloured bill. When cygnets come back the year after (Yearlings) I think you distinguish them by greyish/brown marks on the crown (Not 100% sure). The Whooper cygnets at Martin Mere and Caerlaverock are defiantly starting to get yellow on their bills now. Kane
Does any body know if the Juv Whooper that was frequenting Pennington Flash in late October/early November has been putting in an apearance every now and again. A Juv Whooper flew into Rammies today at 1215hrs(27/12/07) and showed well in front of Horrocks Hide. It seems more advanced than the one present in October. The October bird had a pink/cream bill patch, but the bird today had a cream patch with a hint of yellow where the bill joins the head.
How long does it take a juv to become adult and is it possible this is the same bird or has it advanced to quickly for it not to be- answers on a post card please. The info in field guides and ont tinternet is poor.
