Whooper Swan - Bakewell

I was very surprised to see this juvenile Whooper Swan on the River Wye just north of Bakewell Bridge this afternoon. It's odd to see a lone juvenile not accompanying adults and, although it looked healthy enough, it's possible that it is sick which raises the possibility of Avian Influenza (bird flu). 

Whooper Swan juvenile

The whole of England is currently in an Avian Influenza Protection Zone and there have been several records of Avian Influenza in both wild and captive birds over the winter. I'll have a look for it again tomorrow and if necessary notify DEFRA. 

There was an inversion this morning with clear blue skies above about 200m and thick mist below. 

It had clearly been a cold night and cold this morning as I cycled up to the moor, mist or rain had frozen to the tops of the trees creating a spectacular jewelled effect, with the trees twinkling in the sunshine.

Inversion in Darley Dale

ice on tree tops