A COURAGEOUS wildlife officer helped rescue a lone swan who was being ‘attacked’ by fellow birds.

Patrols along the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal have been stepped up in response to a rise in illegal incidents affecting the bird population.

In their latest efforts, a patrol helped rescue a female swan who was being ‘bitten’ and ‘wing-slapped’ by a pair of swans as they protected their Cygnets.

Paul Higson, head bailiff and wildlife officer for Little Britain Anglers, spotted the distressed bird at the Royal Oak Basin, in Radcliffe, along the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.

The 35-year-old, from Manchester, said: “I was on patrol when I saw a pair of swans attacking another swan.

“I saw them bite and wing-slap the lone swan and it could not get away.

“She was getting increasingly tired trying to escape. When she tried to get out of the water, she was chased and dragged back in.”

Mr Higson, who was walking his dog at the time, took his pooch home and returned as quickly as he could.

The swan had managed to get out of the water, and was now lying behind some plants on the bank, receiving food and care from staff at nearby Manchester Catering Company.

Mr Higson, who has been trained to pick up and check birds for injury or broken bones as part of his voluntary role at Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital, began to see if veterinary attention was needed.

He said: “I checked her neck and face for cuts and injuries but there were no obvious signs. I checked her wings but everything seemed okay.

“I took off my jumper and wrapped it around the swan. I carried her away from the pair who had been attacking, who were probably protecting their four Cygnets.”

He lowered the swan onto the grass next to the Royal Oak pub, in Water Street.

“A few minutes passed, and the swan began to eat grass, then began walking back to the other two swans”, Mr Higson said, “so I caught her and carried her further away.

“I put her down on the tow path and she jumped into the canal, reared up and flapped her wings, then paddled away.”

Mr Higson, who is also a member of the Angling Trust Volunteer Bailiff Scheme patrols and reports on issues such as illegal fishing, pollution and wildlife concerns.

A swan, cat and fox were among animals found killed along the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal in Radcliffe in January this year.

The RSPCA and police also led an investigation after a swan was killed in Little Lever in April.

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Mr Higson said: “There have been a few issues this year with people killing birds, including a Male Mute swan. So we have stepped up our patrols.”

Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital is currently looking for volunteers.

For more information visit their Facebook group, www.gwbh.org.uk or call 01204 884086.