Late April and early March is a good time to see swans on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. They stop by to feed as they migrate north to their breeding grounds. Most years one can see both Trumpeter Swans and Tundra Swans over a period of a few weeks. This year, I have seen only Tundra Swans, and for only a few days.
Swans feed by sticking their heads under the water and by taking advantage or their long necks to reach the bottom. So, they feed where the Lake is shallow, such as alongside Kokanee Creek Provincial Park or at Robert’s Bay (the bay in front of Blaylock’s mansion). These places provide extensive shallows in March and April as the Lake is low prior to the spring freshet. These pictures of Tundra Swans were taken at Robert’s Bay which provides a good view right from the highway.
Swans also stop by the Lake on their migration south in the fall, but as the water level is no longer as low, the feeding area is not as favourable and they don’t seem to hang around as long.
The Kootenay-Lake Website offers a discussion and more pictures of the local Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans and a guide to distinguishing one from the other.
