56 images Created 7 Sep 2023
Royal Swan Upping - Revisited in colour 2023
Amidst cries of 'All up!' a flotilla of rowing skiffs, led by King's Swan Marker David Barber, approaches a swan family on the Thames.
I recently documented the annual Swan Upping journey along the River Thames, now led by King Charles III. This tradition dates back to the twelfth century when the Crown claimed all mute swans. Swan Uppers, in collaboration with the Queen's Swan Marker and the Vintners' and Dyers' Livery Companies, count young cygnets and ensure their well-being. Once found, swan families are captured, checked, weighed, tagged, and released.
This year's swan count is down due to avian influenza, with only 94 cygnets recorded, a 40% drop from last year. Sadly, teenagers are using swans for target practice with air rifles, and vandalism occurs.
Despite these challenges, the three days with the Swan Uppers serve as a powerful way to raise awareness about swans and their habitat preservation.
Backstory - In 1997, I photographed Christopher Perrins, Emeritus Professor of Zoology at Oxford University and 'Her Majesty's Warden of the Swans.' During the pandemic, I reconnected with Chris, finding that both he and David Barber continued their dedication, now serving the King.
I recently documented the annual Swan Upping journey along the River Thames, now led by King Charles III. This tradition dates back to the twelfth century when the Crown claimed all mute swans. Swan Uppers, in collaboration with the Queen's Swan Marker and the Vintners' and Dyers' Livery Companies, count young cygnets and ensure their well-being. Once found, swan families are captured, checked, weighed, tagged, and released.
This year's swan count is down due to avian influenza, with only 94 cygnets recorded, a 40% drop from last year. Sadly, teenagers are using swans for target practice with air rifles, and vandalism occurs.
Despite these challenges, the three days with the Swan Uppers serve as a powerful way to raise awareness about swans and their habitat preservation.
Backstory - In 1997, I photographed Christopher Perrins, Emeritus Professor of Zoology at Oxford University and 'Her Majesty's Warden of the Swans.' During the pandemic, I reconnected with Chris, finding that both he and David Barber continued their dedication, now serving the King.
