Rare Tundra Swans spotted on Bonnechere River

By Ken Hooles, Daily Observer

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 2:58:58 EDT PM

The first rare bird of this spring migration was reported by Rick O’Brien of the Golden Lake area on March 14. Both Rick and his wife spotted a pair of Tundra Swans on the Bonnechere River in front of their home. The sighting was confirmed by Manson Fleguel who thought that the swans may actually be Trumpeter Swans. The only way to differentiate these birds for sure is by a close examination of their bills, or, by their distinctive calls. The mystery was resolved a couple of days later when Ron Bertrand and Vic Harmer of Pembroke heard the swans calling and were able to determine that they were, indeed, Tundra Swans.

Tundra Swans are presently passing through Ontario in large numbers, especially in the Aylmer, Ontario, area. The odd swan strays east from this mass migration, and if we are lucky, someone will observe it in our area. This also occurs occasionally during the fall migration. The sighting of wild swans is always exciting!

The Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) is our most common swan and the most widespread in North America. It was formerly known as the Whistling Swan.

This swan is a large bird of about 53 inches with a wingspan of six to seven feet. It is all white, and like all swans, has a large, long neck. This swan has a black beak with a concave profile and often has a yellow basal spot.

This bird likes to reside in the northern Tundra during the summer. However, in all seasons and during migration, they can be seen on lakes, large rivers, bays, estuaries and even flooded fields.

The Tundra Swan is an exceptional swimmer. In order to eat, it likes to dab its head and neck below the water and feed on aquatic vegetation and roots.

This swan mates for life and has only one brood per year. The nest is normally found near open water or on an island and consists of a low mound of plant material such as mosses, dried grasses, or sedges.

Read on:  http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2013/04/02/rare-tundra-swans-spotted-on-bonnechere-river