BIRDS of very different feathers are flocking together and making their homes at the University of York.

Several different species can currently be seen there - one a pair of very unusual lovebirds.

They are a pair of two young black swans who are settling down to life together at the university's leafy campus.

Other birdlife perched at the university includes a heron and a number of greylag geese.

Academic staff hope the swans may breed next season, if conditions are suitable. Dr Barry Thomas, who works in the chemistry department, is taking a keen interest in the university's feathered friends.

He said: "We are keeping our fingers crossed, but there is no guarantee the swans will be successful.

"They are less hardy than white mute swans, and we weren't certain they would survive - but they are doing well.

"The greylag geese are not that unusual, and there are about eight pairs here. What is a bit unusual is that this one has decided to nest on top of the nesting hut, instead of inside it!"

Mr Thomas said the heron seemed to be thriving after fishing the university's well-stocked lake.

He said: "It is feeding mainly on a section of the lake where there are feeding perches. It is very tame - we were within 15yds of it the other day.

"It is good to see so much birdlife living and doing well here at the university."

The black swans were given to the university by the Wildlife And Wetlands Trust, in exchange for Pochard duck eggs.

Trust volunteers will incubate and hand rear the duck chicks which struggle to find enough insect food at the university lakes.

- Pictures by Garry Atkinson

Updated: 11:37 Saturday, May 04, 2002