Nearly two dozen British swan counters gathered on the River Thames last weekend to hold the annual Swan Uppping, or Royal Swan Count. Before the event, the counters make a toast III. To King Karolyi’s health, they then go swan hunting in traditional rowing boats.
The crew has been led by David Barber, wearing a crimson coat and a swan feather on his hat, for 30 years. To the second main swan writer. After more than 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the royal title remains unusual.
By tradition, all unmarked mute swans in the River Thames are owned by the King of the United Kingdom, so the British people feel it is their duty to account for the precious birds. The crew paddles up the river for five days. As soon as they see an unmarked family of pelicans, they surround them and capture them. After that comes the medical examination. The swans will be measured and then released back into the river after being tagged.
By the way, the history of counting swans dates back to the 12th century, when these waterfowl were still a common food on the royal family’s table, so His Majesty wanted to make sure that the ruling family could eat them. The crew will travel a total of 127 kilometers across the River Thames to complete the count.
Interestingly, in addition to swans, the head of the royal family also owns all the dolphins in the United Kingdom, the largest diamond in the world, the bottom of the British sea, and the rights to all Scottish gold mines.
