SSPCA inspectors are currently trying to help five swans who have made their home in Elgin\u2019s Cooper Park.<\/p>\n
Most of the water was drained from the park pond on Thursday as part of ongoing redevelopment work.<\/p>\n
One of the juvenile cygnet swans in the mud.
SSPCA inspectors trying to catch the swans.<\/p>\n
However, the adult pair of swans and three cygnets who nest there, have potentially been left unable to take off.<\/p>\n
Because swans are among the heaviest flying birds (some weighing over 15kg), they can’t simply flap their wings once and leap into the sky.<\/p>\n
Instead, they need a long and smooth \u2018runway\u2019 to reach the 25-30 mph speeds required for their heavy bodies to generate enough lift.<\/p>\n
Taking off on water allows them to use their powerful webbed feet for traction while avoiding the physical clumsiness and obstacles they face on land.<\/p>\n
The SSPCA are at the scene.<\/p>\n
Once captured the SSPCA intends to take the swans to Spynie Loch and set them free again.<\/p>\n
The Cooper Park pond is being emptied to allow engineers to clean the drainage pipes that run under the A941 to the River Lossie, and prepare for future upgrades.<\/p>\n
These include new coping stones around the pond\u2019s perimeter, plus a wooden walkway that will stretch out towards the centre of the water.<\/p>\n
The pond is nearly completely drained of water.<\/p>\n
Moray Council is also hoping to turn the old toilet block into a new caf\u00e9 and have it opened by the end of summer.<\/p>\n