| Common Name | Trumpeter Swan |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cygnus buccinator |
| Type of Report | Rare Species |
| Date of Observation | 04/19/2020 |
| Media | |
| Number Observed | 3 |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Rich Kelley |
| Mailing Address | 17 Hog Island Rd Swanton, VT 05488 United States Map It |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| Date Completed | 04/19/2020 |
| Names & Emails of Other Contributing Observers | Another woman was stopped on the side of the road with a camera, we spoke briefly, but I don't know who she was. |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 44.965159 |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | -73.201614 |
| Place Name | Missisquoi NWR / Tabor Rd |
| Township | Swanton |
| County | Franklin |
| Vermont eBird Checklist URL | ebird.org |
| Time of Day | 08:05 AM |
| Length of Time Observed | 15-20 minutes |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 300 |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 150 |
| Noteworthy Weather Conditions | Partly cloudy, but bright and good visibility. Moderate breeze, temps in low 40s. |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | Binos, 8x42 / photos w/ dSLR with 500mm lens |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | This is the 3rd year in a row I've personally seen Trumpeter Swans on the Missisquoi Refuge. In eBird, this is my 9th reported sighting since 2017. |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | The field on the west side of Tabor Rd, across from the refuge HQ typically floods each spring. It's a relatively level and open grass area and is typically hayed later in the summer. |
| Behaviors Observed | Birds were sitting in flooded area in grassy field, some preening, but generally staying still. There were three together, each 20ish yards from each other. One standing and I was able to see legs on that one. |
| Description of Vocalizations | None heard |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | 3 large swans in field, viewed from roadway maybe 50 yards away from the closest of the three. Clear views were easily recognizable. From the side of the road, I was able to get photos and view through binos without leaving car or otherwise disrupting them. |
| Relative Size & Shape | Large, all three appeared roughly the same size. Good open views of each and I was able to see their full bodies. |
| Head | White heads with some iron discoloration. No other markings on head. Dark eyes with black lores. Shallow V-shaped forehead. |
| Feet & Bill | Dark legs and feet on the one that was standing. No noted bands. Solid black bill. |
| Upper Back | Solid white, no notable markings. |
| Lower Back & Rump | Solid white, no notable markings. |
| Wings | Did not see wings extended, other them some brief preening. No markings. |
| Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts | Solid white, no notable markings. |
| Tail | Moderate length tail, white with no markings. |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | Mute swans were ruled out due to all black bill. Tundra swan was ruled out due V-shape of bill/forehead and lores being the same width as the eyes. |
| Other Notes & Comments | This is the 2nd year that at least of pair of swans had been seen together on the refuge, and at least the 3rd year that at least one has been seen. |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Immediately After |
Vermont Atlas of Life Partners
