Trumpeter Swan  ( Cygne trompette )

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Cygnus buccinator

General Notes

(Text provided by Kyna Intini, intinikd@mcmaster.ca, as posted to ONTBIRDS)

Originally native to Ontario, Trumpeter swans were extirpated from eastern Canada over 200 years ago, primarily due to hunting pressure and habitat loss.  Biologist Harry Lumsden began a provincial reintroduction program in the early 1980's to re-establish the Trumpeter swan in its former habitat and range.  Today, as a result of an intensive reintroduction and conservation effort, there are about 1000+ wild Trumpeter Swans in Ontario.  Along with the reintroduction, swans must breed in the wild to maintain a sustainable population.  There is a continued effort to identify where pairs are nesting.  Birds are banded and tagged during winter months so biologists can keep track of the number of wild birds in Ontario.  Some birds you observe may have yellow wing tags and metal leg bands.  The wing tags make it easier to identify the bird from a distance.  Write down the number if you can see it.

Wetland areas are are the preferred nesting habitat.  They frequently construct their nests on old beaver and muskrat houses, but will also build on emergent vegetation, either floating or anchored to the bottom.  Pairs often begin to build or repair their nest even before a site is completely free of ice.  Most nests are used year after year, usually by the same pair.

Here is a website to help identify the swans: trumpeterswansociety.org
Description:    Trumpeter Swan pair, one with wing band number 988
Photo Date:   May 12, 2008 Earliest observed date:  

Location:  

 Kirkland Lake Latest observed date:  

Photographer:  

 Larry Ferguson    
     

Observations

 

  

April 10, 1999. One observed in Casey Township by Barry Kinch.

May 12, 2008. A pair observed and photographed in Kirkland Lake by Larry Ferguson and many other observers.
  One was wing tagged number with tag number A32, tagged at LaSalle Park in Burlington.  The pair was present for about three weeks. Photos on file.

August 21, 2008. A pair observed and photographed in Cobalt by Robin Boyer. One, a male, was wing tagged with tag number A32, tagged at LaSalle Park in Burlington.
  The pair was reportedly present for over a month. Photos on file.
     

Banding Results