Guidelines on feeding needed

But no, just anonymous finger pointing and mostly unscientific rubbish.

Cygnets killed by scavengers?

A black swan and other birds?

Boxes of food?

Nearly opposite our houses, there are two nests, one in an exposed position and the other on a nearby island now has only one parent.

The male was attacked by another swan and has been removed by the RSPCA.

But so far, no cygnets have been seen.

Evidence of who saw the action, where it took place, what was done about it, writing to the press was pointless.

Photos, other witnesses, opinions of the RSPB and swanline are needed if anything is to be learned.

As to feeding, there appear to be two regular visitors, both providing corn and fresh water, plus a range of casual visitors every day who thrown various quantities of bread, including one who distributed three large-cut sliced loaves.

Some residents also provide food occasionally.

The seagulls seem to have lost interest and only a few appear, mainly to fish for shore crabs.

If the owner of the lagoon, Lancing Parish Council, as advised by West Sussex County Council, consider any controls on feeding are necessary, the public and residents need to know what they are and how they will be implemented as soon as possible.

Fresh water for cygnets in accessible shallow containers is important as the saline water of the lagoon is unsuitable for them.

D. Wood

Brighton Road

Lancing

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