Monday, January 16, 2012

Trumpeter swans invade Rexburg area

In the snowless fields around Rexburg this year, there are hundreds if not close to a thousand Trumpeter swans feeding on rotten potatoes and wasted grain in the stubble fields.  In one field alone I counted 443 trumpeters and one Tundra swan last week.  On two sides of the field are power lines and at times these wonderful birds crash into them like the one below.  Each casualty has been reported to the authorities.


Last week we had a tagged trumpeter show up and am waiting for its life history from the feds.  We do know it was banded in Canada in 2003.


We really need some air flight controllers as I have seen several mid air collisions during the high winds.


There are also some interesting pictures as the swans come in to feed.  Here two geese flying together looks like a single with four wings.


Here two of four fly in unison and it appears as one swan has two heads.


I spend one or two evenings each week, counting, taking photos and enjoying these fantastic birds alone or with a friend or grandchild.  Just enjoying the wildness of Idaho.

12 comments:

Cloudia said...

thanks for the report and the amazing shots!


Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral

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Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

Wow!!!!! That is a lot. Funny the way they knew the fields were bare this year. Great shots (although the first one is so sad)...

eileeninmd said...

Wow, amazing shots of the swans in flight. It is sad to see some do not make it. But still overall an awesome birding experience.

Gaelyn said...

Those flight images are Awesome! Is it unusual to have this many swans? Must be an incredible sight.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Hi Bill, what great images! This looks a bit like what we saw last week at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. Those powere lines....geesh, hate that things like that happen, but it does, it will.
If you get a minute...check out my 4 Sandhill Crane post entries from last week. I kept thinking Bill would enjoy these too. Have a Happy~

Monts said...

Great images Bill of a lovely species, looks like real wild times in Idaho.

FAB said...

A truly majestic species ... magical times in Idaho. Great shame about the power line hazards.

Kristi @ Mi Vida Ocupada said...

What beautiful birds!! Great captures!

Grayquill said...

How great to take a grandchild for one on one time with grandpa. Really important!! Good job Grandpa. OH...the pictures are also awesome.

Janie said...

Wow, that's a lot of trumpeters hanging out in your area.
Love that last photo of the 2 headed swan.

ksdoolittle said...

That must be quite a sight to behold. In the spring, there are a few hundred that visit the river near my old home in Rhode Island. It never ceased to amaze me. What amazes me about your photos is the one that was tagged in Canada so long ago!! I'm glad casualties due to the power lines are reported, but I wonder to what end? Your photos are all awesome. What a great photo opportunity. I'm so glad you are able to take advantage!! ~karen

Kathie Brown said...

Oh MY, what an experience! Do you eBird your bird counts? How beautiful and exciting!