| Common Name | Trumpeter Swan |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cygnus buccinator |
| Type of Report | Rare Species |
| Date of Observation | 03/18/2018 |
| Media | |
| Number Observed | 1 |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Rich Kelley |
| Mailing Address | 17 Hog Island Rd Swanton, Vermont 05488 United States Map It |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| Date Completed | 03/19/2018 |
| Names & Emails of Other Contributing Observers | Jim Osborne initial saw the bird, joined later by Jim Mead, both were still there when I got there. On the morning of March 19th, the bird was still there and I met Clem Nilan there watching for it. |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 44.970743 |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | -73.178582 |
| Place Name | Charcoal Creek, along VT Route 78 |
| Township | Swanton |
| County | Franklin |
| Vermont eBird Checklist URL | ebird.org |
| Time of Day | 05:55 PM |
| Length of Time Observed | 30 minutes |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 750 |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 500 |
| Noteworthy Weather Conditions | Clear, not much wind, temps in upper teens to low 20s, dusk approaching but visibility good |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | 8x40 binos, 20-60 scope, 500mm DSLR lens |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | Previously saw the one last year in Brandon. We have mute swan's in Swanton (domestically) that I see regularly. |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | Charcoal creek runs from Lake Champlain to Maquam Bog, part of the Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge. The main channel is bordered by a large marsh area. The channel was about 2/3rds open water, with some iced in areas. Swan was seen near ice edge |
| Behaviors Observed | In with a large flock of canada geese, foraging for food along with them |
| Description of Vocalizations | Not heard |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | Jim Orborne initially directed my attention to the swan, it was visible without optics from the parking lot. After setting up scope, black bill and lores visible, along with V-shaped forehead. Range measured via Google maps, about 700 feet, depending on where one set-up on shore. |
| Relative Size & Shape | At least twice the size of the surrounding canada geese, |
| Head | V-shaped forehead visible, black bill and lores. Rust staining on head |
| Feet & Bill | Feet not visible, bill black as described above with no yellow or orange |
| Upper Back | White, humped and fairly wide |
| Lower Back & Rump | white |
| Wings | Did not see extended, white |
| Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts | White |
| Tail | White |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | Mute swans and tundra swans ruled out by lack of orange/yellow on bill |
| Other Notes & Comments | I returned to the area the following morning (March 19th) and the swan was still there. Several other eBird reports indicated it remained though at least early afternoon, by the time of this submission. |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Immediately After |
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