UK Swan Visits Shropshire School Daily to Stare Herself at a Window

Swans are long-necked birds that can both fly and swim, just like some other avians. There are different swan species around the world. However, some common traits they have are they mate for life and they can be territorial during breeding, according to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

In the United Kingdom, all unclaimed swans are property of the British royal family.

Among these avians in the country, one stands out compared with the rest, a lone UK swan that made the headlines recently. Local reports state the swan, named Sally, visits a Shropshire school in England daily to stare herself at the school's window.

This bizarre animal behavior has been going around for more than a year now, sparking several theories as to why Sally the swan kept staring at her reflection.

Sally the Swan

UK Swan Visits Shropshire School Daily to Stare Herself at a Window — (Photo : Photo by Nikola Bačanek on Unsplash)

Staff at The Telford Park School became the companions of Sally the swan, who became known in the country for her peculiar everyday commute from her solitary life on a local lake towards the Shropshire school. There is an apparently special window within the compounds of the Telford Park School. Yet, there are several theories suggesting different reasons for the rare swan behavior.

A local wildlife group reportedly told school staff the swan was most likely widowed and that some people say the reflection seen by the swan could be reminding her of her lost mate.

However, John Stewart, who works at the Wychbold Swan Rescue in Worcestershire, theorizes that Sally may assume its reflection as a rival bird trespassing on its territory.

What makes the story remarkable is that the UK swan spends all day staring at the school window, leaving people in Shropshire town fascinated. The animal has been reported to consistent when it comes to visiting the Shropshire school through a zebra crossing to get there.

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Grieving Swan

Another local report said that the grieving swan even halts traffic as commuters watch the bird make the heart-breaking journey. It added even local wildlife authorities are unable to do anything about it since intervention has been deemed to be meaningless.

Wildlife experts at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Wildlife Trust told the Telford Park School not to approach and feed the swan, according to the school spokesman's reported statement. Initially, the school made efforts for Sally to be collected by a sanctuary.

According to the RSPB, grieving for swans is normal behavior, especially if its partner for life dies.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) states swans choose a mate at around the age of 2 to 4 years old. After picking, a swan will generally remain with their partner for the rest of their lives, clarifying that the birds can still choose a new mate if their former partner dies or becomes unsuccessful in breeding.