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Annual Swan Upping gets under way along the River Thames

Getty Images Swan being inspected and flapping its wingsGetty Images
The flotilla of rowing skiffs inspected the swans in Shepperton on Monday

The annual census of the swan population has started on the River Thames.

Swan Upping takes place annually on the river in the third week of July.

This year's will be held over a typical five days, the first time since the coronavirus pandemic cancelled it in 2020 and cut it to three days in 2021.

It dates to the 12th Century when ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water was claimed by the Crown to ensure a supply for feasts.

Getty Images David Barber and a cygnetGetty Images
The Queen's Swan Marker, David Barber, was busy during the first day of counting

Swan Uppers travel along the river in rowing boats to weigh and measure cygnets and check them for any signs of illness or injury.

The process started at Sunbury Lock in Surrey on Monday and will continue at Eton Bridge in Berkshire on Tuesday.

It is scheduled to finish at Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire on Friday.

The Queen's Swan Marker, David Barber, will detail the number of swans, broods and cygnets counted.

Swans are not being removed from the river this year because of avian influenza. Cygnets are being disinfected before they are returned to the water.

Getty Images Swan Uppers on the ThamesGetty Images
The Swan Uppers carried out their jobs despite sweltering temperatures on the Thames on Monday
Getty Images Swans swimming in a row on the ThamesGetty Images
The first part of the count was undertaken in Surrey on Monday
Getty Images David Barber and Swan UppersGetty Images
David Barber and the Swan Uppers will make their way to Oxfordshire by the end of the week
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