Stratford's swans returned to the Avon this week, but without all the commotion that usually surrounds the birds' rendevous with the river.
In March, the City of Stratford announced it was doing away with the annual Swan Parade on the first week of April. The city cited reducing stress on the birds as one of the reasons it was changing its approach to the release.
Instead, on Wednesday, staff quietly released a total of 18 swans from their winter quarters off Morenz Drive.
The roads in the area were closed for about an hour so the birds could make their return safely.
The city says in addition to 12 young swans on the river, there are three mated pairs that have been located to nearby ponds, including one pair at the Fairfield Drive stormwater pond.
