Great video (as always!). I have seen one or more of the two, usually in a small (10 or less) flock, but am now pretty sure (based on the ranges) that it's Tundra swans that come through. It says they are residents (greater Seattle/Puget Sound area) but I have only seen them in the Spring. But now I know what look for when I see them again. They are truly majestic birds.
Trumpeter swans have been up here in north west Wisconsin for about a month or so. The last week we have 2 that spend much of their days on the small lake in front of where we live, which is part of the Chippewa Flowage. We were clear of ice over a month ago, then the colder weather actually iced over the lake completely again this last week. Spring has sprung now though. It is Easter Sunday today on the last day of March 2024. He Is Risen!!!! Alleluia!!!!!!
There was a flock of 150 tundra and 6 trumpeter in northern california a few years ago. Very cool to see the differences, now if only I could find a whooper...
Several times over the past 6 weeks I've seen as many as 12 Trumpeter swans on the Spokane River, near mile marker 7 on Hwy 291. (They've been accompanied by widgeons most times, too.)
I live in Spokane, Washington and trumpeter swans are year-round residents at nearby Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. They don't show up on the map in this video as residents or even visitors, but I'm assured by the rangers these are trumpeters. I visit the refuge for hiking 2-3 times a week and frequently see them feeding on Pine Lake. I had not heard of tundra swans and at the next opportunity I intend to look for the V-shape above the bill to verify that ours are trumpeters, though apparently tundra swans are migratory vistors here as well.
Always take range maps with a grain of salt. It’s really hard to take into account every population and things can change pretty quickly. Let us know what you find out :)
Did a little digging and looks like that’s one of the Trumpeter Swan reintroduction sites! On eBird people have also reported Tundra Swan there in the past as well so worth a look!
Thanks for the videos you guys make, I have enjoyed watching your content for the past year now. I have been designing tumbnails and posts for a while now and would like to work with you so your videos can get more traction (as they deserve). I would like to make 2 free tumbnails for you guys and then we can see from there whether you guys like them or not. If not, no biggie and I would have improved my skill :). Hope to hear from you! Happy birding
