Trumpeter Swan

It was the end of the work day, and I was slowly making my way home. I decided to check out the marsh for any bird activity, to my surprise two Trumpeter Swans were hanging out in the middle of the marsh.  Change of plans when I noticed one of the two swans was looking to fly out, it was bobbing its head. But the other adult was not quite ready yet. Dinner would have to wait, I wanted to see them taking off into the air. They were safe from any danger, the closest I could get was about 70 to 80 meters and no predator was going to go into the water after them.

They are by far the largest waterfowl we get in Banff NP, coming in at 12 kg or more with a wingspan of just over 2 meters. The young swans will eat aquatic insects, but soon their diet is dominated by plants. Like the dabbling ducks, they will feed underwater by submerging their head. When they are paddling their feet in the mud under water to loosen plants, it’s not uncommon to see other waterfowls hanging around them with the hope of picking off any aquatic insects that pop up to the surface.

The two swans explored much of the marsh, did some eating and some resting, nothing for too long. Close to two hours had passed, and they were still deciding what to do. Friends came by with their young daughter to see the swans and when they left to explore the area. The swans started moving toward one end of the marsh, similar to a plane moving to the end of the runway for a take off. Both started bobbing their head and they were off. The sound of energy being used to get their weight into the air could be heard all around. They need about 100 meters to clear the water and then any shrubs and trees that might be in front of them. As soon as they were high enough, they made a 180 degree turn and saw them heading up the valley.

Swans

Tundra and Trumpeter Swans may stop over in Banff NP when heading north to their breeding ground and or when they are heading south for the winter. Most of the times it’s rare to see them up close in the park, let alone both species together close by. In my case one of each swan was about 50 meters away, with them above the water I was able to clearly see the size difference. It can get difficult when they are in the water, even with the weight difference.  An adult tundra can weigh up to 14lbs and 30lbs for the trumpeter. I saw them over a few days, they would spend the night and early morning on one side of the valley and the rest of the time on the other. I was watching them for an hour or so, when their head started bobbing in sync, getting ready to fly. When they were taking off they were too close to get both in the frame, but this was my favorite picture with the snow peak in the background.

Trumpeter Swan

One never know who is going to drop by during bird migration, does not happen every spring, but this spring I saw many as 10 Trumpeter Swans. Here is one of them who was grooming few mornings back. Trumpeters are the largest bird seen Banff National Park.

Until next moment,

Amar

Trumpeter Swan

Last month I across five Trumpeter Swans early in the morning. I figured the storm from the previous day had brought them down for a stop over from their travel to the south. I only got to watch them for about ten minutes, the sky was starting to open up and the swans starting bobbing their head and their vocalisation increased. Got my camera ready, as they were looking to fly, soon they did just that. They headed to a warmer place, leaving me to winter wonderland. 

Until next moment,

Amar

Trumpeter Swans

The two Trumpeter Swans were about to run out of open water on the river. I was on the far side watching and taking pictures, wondering what would they do next. They decided to back track for about 20 to 30 meters to get a running start to take to air. I positioned myself in the open and started to take pictures as soon as they started to flap their wings. Getting a unique view and pictures of them flying below my eye level.

Until next moment,

Amar

Trumpeter Swans

Just about two weeks ago,snow was on the ground and part of the river was frozen. I spotted this pair of Trumpeter Swans as I was walked along the river. They stayed on the far side, which improved my chances for good pictures, because the sun was behind me they were in the light and I was in the shade.

Until next moment,

Amar

Trumpeter Swan

Life is a full of challenges, just when you get past one, another comes along. Just when you feel you're one step ahead, you get pushed back two. All the more reason to find a way to recharge and push through. I think most of you know by now, my way to recharge is to reach out to nature. John Muir said it best, "In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks."

Until next moment,

Amar