In pictures: The annual counting of the swan population on River Thames

The tradition is said to date back to the 12th century, when the ownership of unmarked, mute swans was claimed by the Crown, so as to be able to have a steady supply of meat during banquets and feasts.

July 21, 2022 17:00 IST

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A peculiar-yet-cute tradition is currently underway along the Thames river -- that flows through southern England -- pictures of which have been adroitly captured. It is the annual census of the swan population, also known as 'swan upping', which takes place in England. During this time, mute swans are rounded up, marked and then released. According to a BBC report, this year it will be held over five days, the first time since the pandemic cancelled it in 2020; in 2021, it was cut to three days. Seen here, a swan reacting to swan uppers recording the details of cygnets during the annual census of the swan population along sections of the River Thames, Shepperton near Windsor, Britain, July 18, 2022. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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The tradition is said to date back to the 12th century, when the ownership of unmarked, mute swans was claimed by the Crown, so as to be able to have a steady supply of meat during banquets and feasts. Photographed here, cygnets swimming past swan uppers along sections of the River Thames. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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A Swan Upper returns a cygnet after recording details during the annual census of the swan population along sections of the River Thames. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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Swan Uppers record details of a cygnet during the annual census of the swan population. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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Detail is seen on the hat of David Barber, The Queen's Swan Marker, as Swan Uppers record details during the annual census of the swan population. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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A Swan Upper conducts a health check on a cygnet. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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David Barber, The Queen's Swan Marker, handles a rescued cygnet during the annual census of the swan population. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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A Swan Upper handles an injured swan during the annual census of the swan population along sections of the River Thames. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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Swan Uppers return a cygnet after recording details during the annual census of the swan population. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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A swan reacts as Swan Uppers record details of cygnets during the annual census of the swan population along sections of the River Thames. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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David Barber, The Queen's Swan Marker, handles a rescued cygnet. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

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Swan Uppers moor their boats to take a break at The Swan pub during the annual census of the swan population along sections of the River Thames. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)