Trumpeter Swan – Cygnus buccinator
Photos By Shawn Weigelt
February 8, 2010
Sequim, Washington
While staying in Sequim for a weekend we decided to check out some local agricultural land to look for some Trumpeter Swan’s. The bird nerd and I had learned about a flock seen in the area through the, “Tweeters,” e-mail list. This list compiles the bird sightings taken from fellow birders across Washington and Oregon. Malia, the kids, and I drove to a familiar area where we have seen a local Elk herd in the past. Sure enough, we found a large flock of Trumpeter Swans in a corn field. Malia counted at least 104 swans! Also present were Canada Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese. The swans and Greater White-fronted Geese were lifer sightings so we were pretty excited! They are massive birds, the largest native species of waterfowl in North America! Despite their large size, they retain such grace and elegance. Absolutely gorgeous. We have an amazing God!
Nikon D80 70-300mm VR, 1/250sec, ISO 200, f/5.6, hand held
This individual is on sentry duty, keeping a close eye on me while the other birds are feeding.
