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Residents are heartbroken over the death of a black swan who had become a local celebrity. We reported last month how a little-known pond in Wigan had become a magnet for visitors after the arrival of the rare black swan who locals named Fernando, in reference to its feathering and white fan tail looking like a Spanish dancing dress. But sadly this week the red-billed bird has died along with another at Clayhole Park, in Hindley Green, and swans on the canal in Leigh. While the cause of their deaths hasn't been confirmed there have been reports of avian influenza (bird flu) in the region and across the UK. Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE Following the escalating number of confirmations of bird flu in kept and wild birds, the government has ordered a mandatory housing order to cover the whole of England, starting from yesterday (Thursday). The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 - except in specific circumstances such as some zoo birds - or if they sell or give eggs away. A GB wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is also in place and requires all keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease. News of Fernando's death has been widely shared on social media, with Margaret Rowson, of the Friends of Westlake Clayhole group, confirming his fate saying that his body and that of another swan were awaiting council collection on Friday morning. Another blind and injured goose had been collected from Longhurst Road, she said. Locals have shared their own messages of sorrow, including one woman who said: "So sad such a beautiful swan, every day was a bonus that it stayed on our park for us all to admire. Fernando was our Hindley Green Celebrity." Another said: "Can't believe how upset I am at his passing. He was beautiful and I was so lucky to go see him. RIP Fernando our very own Swan of the Lake." And a third said: "Fly far and free Fernando, it was a pleasure to have met you. Such a heartbreaking time." Visitors first spotted the red-billed bird, which is native to Australia, at the beginning of October and he quickly became a local celebrity. Residents and those from further afield visited the park to catch a glimpse of what had become known as 'the swan with attitude'. After three name suggestions of Oreo, Shadow and Fernando, locals decided on the latter, in reference to his feathering and white fan tail. Numerous photos of him were shared and amateur bird and wildlife photographer Heather Mary Waters was lucky enough to capture him, taking photos to share on her Instagram page @birds.ofaheather. She said: "I’m so upset to see the news about our lovely Fernando and every single other beautiful bird that has succumbed to the avian flu. "I’m so grateful that I got to capture Fernando’s beauty whilst he was here. He arrived just two days after my grandfather, who was also a Clayhole local for almost 50 years, sadly died. "He was much loved during his stay and it was lovely to see the local community spirit. Please everyone follow the guidelines to help stop the spread of the avian flu, so that we don’t lose too many more of our beautiful birds.” Black swans are large water birds, which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. Cobs (males) are slightly larger than pens (females), with a longer and straighter bill. UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "Given the continued increase in the number of avian influenza cases in kept birds and wild birds across England, we are now taking the difficult step to extend the housing measures to the whole of England. "I appreciate the impact these measures have on industry and am extremely grateful for the continued cooperation of the poultry sector. We know from previous years that housing birds will bring the rates of infection down from the high we are currently experiencing. "I urge bird keepers to comply with the new housing measures, continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."
