(Please see separate FAQ for Herons)
General notes for waterbirds
Swans and geese often float or swim with a foot lying along their backs. It looks extremely odd but it is quite normal and nothing to worry about.
There is a condition amongst geese called Aeroplane or Angel Wing. This is where the bird has one wing stuck up at an angle, and looks as though it may be broken. In fact they are born like this, and can swim, mate and feed perfectly well. Please call The Wildlife Aid Foundation so that we assist you in identifying whether this is the case or not.
Water birds with broken legs can and do fly away so it’s worth trying to catch/get close to the injured bird before calling The Wildlife Aid Foundation for help. Unfortunately we have limited resources and need to be sure that the bird will definitely be there before we send out a rescuer.
Some useful telephone numbers:
The Swan Sanctuary (Shepperton): 01932 240790
Swan Rescue (Cobham): 01932 240790 / 07714 292744
Woking Swan Rescue: 07946 869933 / 01483 765108
Swans & Friends Bird Rescue (Redhill): 01737 773712 / 07712 753919
RSPB: 01767 693690