St Marys Ontario - Photos and happenings in this Southwestern Ontario Canada town

Friday, March 28, 2008

Stratford's Swan Parade Cancelled

Sunday's release of Stratford, Ontario's swans to the Avon River has been cancelled as the area where the swans are released is still frozen over. The swans will be returned to the river when the ice clears.

Stratford Ontario Swans
The first mute swans were brought to Stratford from Battle Creek, Michigan in 1918. Several of the swans on the river today are descendants of Queen Elizabeth II’s royal herd. In 1967, six pairs of Mute swans were a centenary gift and sent to Ottawa. Subsequently, one of the pairs was then given to Stratford.

From November to March the river is frozen and the swans are kept in Winter Quarters located behind the William Allman Arena.

UPDATE: Without fanfare on Monday, April 7, Stratford released 32 white swans, two black swans, one Muscovy duck, three Canadian geese, one bar-headed goose and two Chinese geese onto the Avon and other reservoirs.