Queen Elizabeth's Annual Swan Count Underway In Britain On Monday, an 800-year-old tradition of counting the swans owned by Britain's Queen Elizabeth started. The tradition dates back to the 12th century when the English crown first claimed ownership of all mute swans. Back then, mute swans were considered a delicacy that would be served at royal banquets. Britons no longer eat swans and the birds
are protected by law. Last year's count showed 132 new cygnets on the Thames, reversing a declining trend in
previous countings. According to British law, the queen can own any swan swimming in open waters if she so wishes. Lawmakers say the Queen mainly exercises that right
on the River Thames.