David Barber, Her Majesty's Swan Marker, and his team of Swan Uppers began the population census on time.
Every year a flotilla of Thames rowing skiffs filled with scarlet-coated crews, sets sail on a week-long journey through Berkshire towards Oxfordshire.
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The officials wear traditional uniforms and each boat flies appropriate flags and pennants.
When a brood of cygnets is sighted, a cry of "All up!" is given to signal that the boats should get into position.
On passing Windsor Castle, the rowers stand to attention in their boats with oars raised and salute Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans.
The ceremony dates back to the 12th Century when the ownership of all unowned mute swans in Britain was claimed by the Crown in order to ensure a ready supply for banquets and feasts.
Today the Queen exercises this right only on certain stretches of the River Thames and surrounding tributaries.
There are more photos here.
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