Swans return to the Avon River in Stratford

Swans on the Avon River in Stratford, Ont. (Source: City of Stratford)

Stratford’s swans have returned to the Avon River.

The city said 18 of them were “quietly” brought back early Wednesday morning, after spending the colder months in their winter quarters.

“In addition to 12 young swans on the river, there are three mated pairs that have been relocated to nearby ponds,” a social media post noted.

The swans are typically released in April.

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In past years they waddled to the water, accompanied by the Stratford Police Pipe and Drums Band and a large crowd on onlookers.

Earlier this year the city said they wanted to do it a little differently going forward.

Instead of a fixed date, the birds would be released when weather conditions were right.

Officials said they hoped the change would limit any stress placed on the swans.