THE BLACK Swans of Dawlish went for a stroll along The Strand last night.

This photo by Maryanne Saunders shows the team of five walking along the main street after dark.

Usually the swans do not stray from the Lawn but as the breeding pair are currently awaiting the hatching of a brood of up to nine eggs, the other swans are moving away from the area.

The town council’s waterfowl warden explained: ‘Bert is becoming more territorial at the moment due to the nesting at Tucks Plot.

‘As a result five of the swans are moving onto the Strand pavement and road some days and evenings. 'If you see them in danger, if you are able to gently shoo them back on the Lawn the waterfowl wardens would be grateful.

‘However, please take care as they can flap wings and be slightly annoyed so keep a distance and it must be done very, very gently.

‘We ask anyone who is feeding the swans or waterfowl not to do it near the Strand side of the Lawn.

‘We also want to make drivers aware of this issue and there are road signs of waterfowl potentially in the road down by Tuck’s Plot already.’

Once the eggs hatch, which should be in the next few weeks, the wardens believe the pressure should ease as Bert will have to help with the cygnets.

The wardens cannot put the black swans in the aviary as there is not sufficient room and they are used to being on the Brook.