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Scarlet-clad emissaries of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II began paddling southern England's sprawling River Thames this week in search of swans for the ancient tradition of "swan upping".

The annual royal census of swans on the Thames, which dates from the 12th century when the English crown claimed ownership of all mute swans and the birds were considered a delicious dish, takes place during the third week of July every year.

Her Majesty's Swan Marker and his team of Swan Uppers, identifiable by their scarlet uniforms, weigh and measure cygnets to determine growth rates. The Swan Warden checks the swans for signs of disease and injury before ringing the birds with individual identification numbers and releasing them.

A procession of six traditional rowing skiffs travel stretches of the Thames over five days, passing through the southern English counties of Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Schools from local areas along the river are invited to watch each year.

The Swan Upping report, compiled at the end of the census, provides data on the number of swans accounted for, including broods and cygnets. This information is used for the maintenance of the population.

The presence of disease in the swans will be monitored particularly closely this year after an outbreak of duck virus enteritis, a virus which has affected the mute swan population of the Thames. Fewer cygnets are expected on the river this year as a result.

Today the monarch retains the right to ownership of all unmarked swans in open water, although in practice this privilege is only exercised by the queen on certain stretches of the Thames.

Questions

1. When does the royal census of swans date back to?

2. What color uniforms do the Swan Wardens wear?

3. How many days will the Swan Wardens travel the river Thames?

Answers:

1. 12th century

2. Scarlet

3. Five

（中國日報網英語點津 Julie 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.