Exiled Stratford-upon-Avon black swan Reggie finds a mate shortly after arriving in new home in Dawlish

HE’S got a big beak and he’s fallen in love – no Cyrano de Bergerac, the big-conked lover currently treading the boards of the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, but a real-life swan, Our Reggie.

Just last Wednesday Stratford’s hellraiser black swan was removed from the Avon by swan-keeper Cyril Bennis. He no sooner moved to his new home in Dawlish, Devon, where there is a flock of black swans, when he picked up a new lady, who we are calling Mrs Reggie.

“I am just so relieved,” said Cyril of the happy union. “People were very unhappy with me for removing him, but he had to go – he was causing problems. I called him Mr Terminator as he was aggressive to male native mute swans. Now he’s being well looked after and has found a new mate, I’m happy for him.

“He’s still a big talking point – and is getting all the attention.”

In fact Reggie has gained such notoriety that Cyril has been interviewed by media outlets around the globe about why Stratford had to oust its only black swan, a species native to Australia and New Zealand.

“It’s been crazy,” said Cyril. “Everyone has loved hearing about Mr T, it’s caught people’s imaginations. I’ve been on the news in Canada and Australia. I did love going on Radio 4 – it brought a bit of lightness in that ten-minute slot before the news.”

Cyril and fellow swan volunteer Anne Sullivan drove to Gloucester services on the M5 to meet their Dawlish counterpart, Don Phillips, to hand over Reggie to his care, and continue his journey to his new home.

Dawlish has a flock of black swans after a pair were introduced to the area from New Zeland in 1906.

“He’s been given his own area and was allowed his choice of mates, and he decided very quickly,” said Cyril of Reggie’s new idyllic setup. “They’re going to take good care of him, and I am so just relieved it’s all worked out.”

Reacting to the Herald’s shock at how quickly Reggie had got things on with his new bird, Cyril laughed heartily, and joked: “He’s a male swan! That’s what they do! Shall I buy you a manual that explains it?!”

Perhaps Cyrano could learn a few conjugal tricks from Our Reggie.