Queen's 'Swan Uppers' scour River Thames

LONDON - 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.