Stéphane’s Posting for Oct. 03/10

A Feast of White!

This morning, we were delighted by the sight of a low-flying all-white Trumpeter Swan! Flying over Wingfield Basin, it was low enough to have a good look, especially on its all black bill, but the huge size and massive long neck were also a give away for this species. The swan was not marked with neck bands or wing tags.

It is only the second time that Trumpeter Swans have been seen at the station. The first time was in the fall of 2007, when a second-year marked bird was seen on the basin, accompanied with a young. To see such a magnificent bird in flight was certainly a treat for us.

It was also seen by the large group of students from the Wildlife Club of University of Guelph, although they were still at the entrance gate of the driveway. The group had a good time at the station, enjoying – besides the swan – good views of several Bald Eagles, the otters fishing in the basin, and some bird banding on a slow day.

Keep your eyes open, at all time! You never know what might come across.

Stéphane