If the weather deteriorates, more swans could be on their way

Managers at the Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Reserve near Burscough say the amount of birds flocking to the reserve is "unprecedented".

Figures have been high in previous winters but this year more of the migrating swans have come making it the second largest flock in the country.

Many of the Whooper swans make their winter time homes in East Anglia.

Breeding grounds

Experts say if the weather in East Anglia deteriorates, more swans could be on their way.

The 380-acre Martin Mere reserve regularly attracts Whooper and Bewick swans.

The swans fly thousands of kilometres each year, to and from their breeding grounds.

They make use of the summer in the Arctic tundra before flying south to spend the winter in relatively warmer climates.