Support Bray's Swans: A Call to Protect and Preserve Our Feathered Friends

Bray Harbour in County Wicklow is a vital refuge for swans, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment amidst the challenges of modern life. However, as natural habitats become increasingly scarce, swans struggle to find secure places to call home. While Bray offers a safe haven, it lacks a substantial food source, requiring volunteers to supplement the swans’ diet regularly.

Fundraiser to Feed Our Swans

To ensure that these majestic birds continue to thrive, we are launching a fundraiser to help cover the ongoing costs of feeding the swans. Volunteers have been working tirelessly, often out of their own pockets, to provide the necessary nourishment that the habitat itself cannot supply. Your support is crucial in helping us maintain this effort. Every donation, no matter how small, will directly contribute to the purchase of safe and healthy food for the swans.

Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover the feeding costs for the next year, ensuring that the swans have the nutrition they need throughout all seasons. By contributing, you are not only helping to sustain the swans at Bray Harbour but also supporting the broader conservation efforts led by the sanctuary and Kildare Wildlife Rescue.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Every euro helps! Donations can be made online via our fundraising page.

• Spread the Word: Share our fundraiser with friends, family, and on social media to help us reach our goal.

• Volunteer: If you’re local, consider donating your time to assist with feeding. Or consider signing up to volunteer with Kildare Wildlife Rescue, [email protected]

Important Reminders:

Safe and Healthy Foods for Swans:

• Raw porridge oats
• Wild birdseed
• Defrosted peas
• Tinned or defrosted corn
• Fresh spinach

Please note that too much white bread can compact in a swan's gut, leading to serious health problems.

• Drive Safely and Slowly: Be cautious when driving near the harbour to avoid accidents involving swans and other birds. Always check behind your car before reversing, and do not feed swans from your car window. Remember, swans do not have road sense.

• Do Not Let Your Dogs Off the Lead: Keep your dog on a lead at all times, maintaining a safe distance from the swans.

• Never Feed Mouldy Bread to Swans: This can cause a serious condition called Pink Feather, where the swan's feathers turn pink and lose their waterproofing ability, leading to hypothermia and potentially death.

• Do Not Disturb the Swans: Parents, please ensure your children do not chase, frighten, or disturb the swans in any way.

To report an injured swan or any swan you may be concerned about, please contact the Bray Harbour Swan Sanctuary at 01 2542229 or email Kildare Wildlife Rescue at [email protected] with a video/photo and your location. Thank you for your cooperation and support in protecting these beautiful creatures.