I’m not sure where the trumpeter swans went to when they passed over head earlier this month heading north as my pond is still frozen, but hopefully they found some open water. The trumpeter swans are our biggest native waterfowl, weighing more than 25 pounds and a wing scan of over 6 feet. My pond is too little for these swans as they need 100-yard runway to get airborne.
Trumpeter Swan
The birds were singing today but so far I haven’t heard any brave spring birds which have returned yet but they might want to see some ground without snow first. Although farther to the south, trumpeter swans have return already, but prior to 1935, seeing their return probably was a rare sight since their numbers had declined to 69 known individuals after widespread hunting in prior centuries.
Springtime Swan
My pond is finally reached “ice out” stage and the tadpoles and some tiny fish are swimming around, but no frog sighting yet. Open water means I could get some visiting waterfowl likes some ducks, besides the geese I had last week, but my pond is too small to get any visitors like trumpeter swans.
Graceful Trumpeter Swan
A variety of birds may be seen near a pond, like colorful ducks, herons or song birds getting a drink of water. If the pond is large enough, it may be the home to Trumpeter Swans, which are the largest bird in North America and gets its name from its trumpet-like call. In a standing position, Trumpeter Swans are approximately 4 feet high. However, if the neck and legs are outstretched they can measure nearly 6 feet long from bill to feet.
Although more common today, the Trumpeter Swan was reduced to near extinction by the early 20th century as they were hunted for its feathers throughout the 1600s – 1800s. Its largest flight feathers made what were considered to be the best quality quill pens. It was a good thing ball point pens were invented.
Every year adult swans go through a flightless period in which they molt all their feathers at once thus making them flightless for a 1-2 month period of time. This typically occurs during the warmest months, namely July and August. During this period they are particularly vulnerable and may act more secretive than usual.
Trumpeter Swans may form pair bonds as early as their second winter and some may nest for the first time at three years of age. Most Trumpeters, however, don’t nest until they are four to six years old. Trumpeter Swan cygnets (young birds) are typically hatched gray in color.
Trumpeter Swan Family
