STAY away from the swans!
That is what wildlife experts are warning after this pair of swans built their nest perilously close to a busy main road near North Cotes.
For the second year, the elegant birds have taken residence on the edge of a stretch of the A1031 between North Thoresby and North Cotes, where the female is already believed to have laid her eggs.
Now the Royal Society For The Protection Of Birds (RSPB) and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (LWT) are urging people not to disturb them.
Spokesman for the RSPB Chris Collett said: "It is very unusual for swans to nest that close to a road, although we have had a similar report from elsewhere in the country this week.
"Swans often nest in unlikely places.
"Our advice to people is to leave them alone and let them do what they are there to do.
"It is illegal to touch or disturb the nest in any way. Please do not go near them."
The swans wandered into the middle of the road last year, and rumours circulated North Cotes and Marshchapel someone had stolen the eggs – outraging locals who care deeply for the birds.
It is likely they are the same pair as last year, as swans are known to mate for life.
But experts say they would not have returned if they did not think it was a good place to have their young.
Mr Collett continued: "They will nest where they can successfully fledge their young.
"Logically, you would think she would be disturbed by that amount of traffic, but if it is their second year they obviously think it is good for them.
"It is one of the wonderful quirks that makes our wildlife so interesting."
Their return has been the talk of the White Horse, in Sea Dyke Way, Marshchapel.
Landlady Fiona Beevers hopes drivers will take care and visitors take notice of RSPB and LWT's warnings.
She said: "People are concerned they have come back. We're just hoping no one goes near them and they can have their babies safely.
"They are a joy to have in the area and we would hate for anything bad to happen to them."
Bianca Connon, of Harpam Road, Marshchapel, said: "It is worrying to see they have returned. I just hope people leave them alone and let them be.
"Everyone loves the swans, so it would be awful to see anything happen to them."
ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to see a video of the swans in their unusual nesting spot.
