Trumpeter Swans visit Kootenay Lake twice a year, but sometimes for an extended time. When two of them stopped by briefly to feed on October 25, they were probably not heading north to breed, but south to winter.
The Trumpeter Swans swimming at the mouth of the creek were likely a mated pair.
The Trumpeter Swan is North America’s largest waterfowl, and our heaviest bird. It therefore takes time to run across the water and pick up enough speed to lift off.
The swans climb to flying altitude. Note the lake water drops being shed.
Respect and congratulations, Alistair, to this rare sequence. Best, Michael H.