Hamburg "residents" return to Alster with new goose-fury coats

Spring on the calendar is one thing, and the swans returning from their winter habitat each year follow another set of their calendar. Only when these goose-suited "residents" in Hamburg - the swans - resettle on the city's shores did it mean that spring have really arrived in Hamburg. From 15 April until November, these noble and elegant Hamburg "residents" will cross waterways and canals, raising up their offspring under the care of the Swan Father.

A swan cooed among four small blue boats. There are about 120 such swans in all, their long, white necks stretch from the water in the direction of the sun, the fresh breeze blows on the Alster. Every year the first real spring day in Hamburg presents this beautiful scene. Every year, the swans of Alster leave their winter habitat in Eppendorfer Mühlenteich and return to Hamburg. After more than four months staying in a artificial pond with frost-proof facilities, the white-feathered city landmark has returned to Alster, led by Swan Father, Olaf Ness, and his assistants.

"To this day, they are considered as a symbol of freedom and economic independence for Hanse."

--Olaf Ness, Swan Father.

"Our connection with swans goes back to the 11th century," Olaf Ness explained in his office a few weeks ago, " in the past, only princes and nobles owned swans. Today, they are still considered a symbol of freedom and economic independence for Hanse." Even in international diplomatic field, the Swan has been given for many times as a national gift to cities at home and abroad. Therefore, the swan is crucial for Hamburg. Thus, since 1674, the position of forest hunter has existed in the municipal office, which is also affectionately known as - Swan Father, the oldest government position in Hamburg. The Olaf Ness family has been doing this for two generations, and he actually studied marketing before. Later, he went through six and a half years of vocational training and took over the position of Swan Father from his father Harald in 1996.

Each couple has about four to six young swans in the breeding season.

Olaf Ness suggested, "We can visit around Alster by my boat." We sailed past chic villa areas, greeted residents and abandoned swan breeding grounds with Caja the working dog. These breeding grounds consist of brown wooden stakes that visually reconcile with the small woods on the slopes. With the arrival of spring, monogamous swan couples return to their nests and begin to breed their own generation. "After mating, they run around, collecting branches and repairing their old nests," explained by Ness. Each couple of swans will have approximately four to six offspring per breeding season. In order to keep the next generation from disturbing their parents during the next round of breeding, the young swans spend their first winter with their parents then they will move into a "bachelor apartment" in front of Rathaus Hamburg. They will find their life partner there, with any luck, they can go to the breeding grounds in the following summer.

Popular with locals and tourists

The swan around the virgin berm is one of the most popular postcard patterns in Hamburg. So what to look for when taking pictures? "A swan is dangerous if it is with its young baby and is seriously threatened. Basically, swans are very peaceful and friendly and they don't actively hurt people." Ness said, he might be the only Hamburg citizen who was seriously injured by a swan. Twenty years ago, two swans were once trapped in a pool of water in Allermöher at 15 degrees below zero. "I saw my glasses flew up into the sky and then I fell down in the icy water, felt the swan's wings flapping on my head. I was injured that time, but thankfully the swans were rescued."

What you need to know about Hamburg Swan

1. Where is the best place to watch the swan?

"Rathaus Hamburg Plaza is certainly the best place, and it's also historic. In addition, there are corners around Outer Alster that are suitable for viewing. But as an outsider, you won't find any swan in the canals."

2. Can the swans in Alster be fed?

"If someone meets a swan with their child and gives the swan a slice of bread, that's totally fine. But if someone throws a large loaf of bread into the water in boxes, it's no longer feeding, it's polluting. Generally, these swans will forage for food and they can take care of themselves."

3. It is said that the one who insults swans in Hamburg will be published till today. So when someone insults a swan, what is actually the punishment?

"Until the 16th century, the highest penalty was three days' imprisonment for three trappers who had violated the swan law. Later, we no longer have criminal penalties for insulting swans. While this law still exists, there are no substantive penalties now."

"People are really holding the swan in their hands."

--Olaf Ness, Swan Father.

Animals do not obey working hours.

From it's rescue, environmental protection to animal cruelty, Olaf Ness has to concern everywhere. "Fortunately, the relationship between Hamburgers and swans is very close. People really hold these animals in their hands, and they keep us informed if anything happens." Schnake, a 50- year-old Hamburger, is still in contact with the water police via radio. While it seems that everything is moving forward around Alster swans, Olaf Ness, as a woodland hunter, is actually responsible for the safety of all wildlife in Hamburg - whether it's geese on the highway, deer in the freeport, seals in the Elbe or wild boars in the city. At this point, we returned to Eppendorfer Mühlenteich. As what he said, it is a full time job: "Private life is obviously restricted, because animals don't just have accidents during working hours. After a rescue, nursing work begins."

Ness wants to work for more than 10 years before he is replaced. Whether this unique job will still belong to his family remains uncertain until that time. Olaf Ness's son is 15 years old and is not very interested in his father's work. This Swan Father, who is also a true father said to us, "If he follows my steps, of course I will be glad. But he has to decide by himself." For now, Hamburgers are rejoicing in this new chapter of the swan fairy tale and keeping a close eye on these urban symbols, until Olaf Ness transport their offspring to a safe winter habitat again in November.

Hamburg Swan Bureau - the oldest institution in Hamburg

The Hamburg Swan Bureau, where the "Swan Father" works, is the oldest authorized institution in Hamburg. Learn more about the duties of a Hamburg woodland hunter at: http://www.alsterschwaene.de/