the coming of Spring.
These are my first sightings of the Trumpeter Swans. They will spend a few weeks here before they migrate further north to their breeding ranges. The swans come back every year at about the same time, to this very spot, a small river system that widens into a small lake near my home. This morning I tried to be as quiet as possible so that I could get close to them, but they soon detected me and started moving away.
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
their graceful necks reflected in the water.
These are my first sightings of the Trumpeter Swans. They will spend a few weeks here before they migrate further north to their breeding ranges. The swans come back every year at about the same time, to this very spot, a small river system that widens into a small lake near my home. This morning I tried to be as quiet as possible so that I could get close to them, but they soon detected me and started moving away.
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
their graceful necks reflected in the water.
paddling webbed feet creating ripples on the surface
Both female and male have identical plumage, but one and two year olds can retain some of their juvenile gray-brown plumage on their heads and necks.
nine swans feeding