We receive welcome visits from swans twice a year when they stop by on their migrations, usually centred on March and November. So, this morning’s visit of some swans was timely.
But, which of our two species appeared, Tundra or Trumpeter? Although they differ in a number of ways, it is difficult to tell them apart from a distance. That this family of four were Trumpeters was decided by:
- the heavy bills that lacked yellow lores;
- the calls they made to one another;
- the way the neck was kinked when they were in the water.
Four Trumpeter Swans flew westward to Kokanee Creek Park from the Main Lake.
I have seen swans many times, but this was the first time I listened to them calling to one another.
Beautiful creatures. We’ll watch for them at our end of the lake (Riondel) — on the water & overhead.
Thanks Alistair
Wendy
I very much appreciate seeing these photos of the Trumpeter Swans. When I was a child (60-70 years ago), if I remember correctly Trumpeter Swans were in danger of becoming extinct. I think that there were far less than 100 of them alive. How numerous have they become? Are they still considered to be an endangered species? Fr. Jim
Stunning – I have not seen swans in flight before!