| Common Name | Trumpeter Swan |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cygnus buccinator |
| Type of Report | Rare Species |
| Date of Observation | 08/15/2021 |
| Number Observed | 1 |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Benjamin Dixon |
| Mailing Address | 40 Woods Dr Canton, New York 13617-1061 United States Map It |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| Date Completed | 08/16/2021 |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 44°59'01.9"N |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 73°10'08.8"W |
| Place Name | Charcoal Creek / Campbell Bay |
| Township | Swanton |
| County | Franklin |
| Vermont eBird Checklist URL | ebird.org |
| Time of Day | 12:00 PM |
| Length of Time Observed | 5-10 minutes |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | ~100 |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | ~15 |
| Noteworthy Weather Conditions | Sunny, light breeze, mid-70's |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | Nikon Monarch 5 10x42 |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | Extremely familiar with this species as it breeds in the town I live in (Canton, St. Lawrence County, NY) - specifically the Upper & Lower Lakes WMA. It is also found on the St. Lawrence River. I have logged 174 individuals of these species on eBird but have seen many times that number. My maximum seen at once is 19. Tundra Swan also migrate through the county during both spring and fall migration and tend to put down in the same locations as the Trumpeters. Mute Swans are a common sighting, especially on the St. Lawrence River. |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | Semi-open water channel in wetland area of the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. Prominent edge wetland vegetation included bullrush, lily pads and water shields, pickerelweed, etc. |
| Behaviors Observed | The swan was mostly just floating along, occasionally putting its head underwater to feed in a "dablling" manner. Eventually it flew to a more easterly portion of the channel. Flight was typical of Trumpeter Swan with a looong running start, footsteps gaining speed until airborne - neck tucked back slightly as it attempted to get airborne. Once in flight, graceful with neck extended and steady wingbeats. |
| Description of Vocalizations | Trumpeting calls. |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | The swan was floating downstream with occasional dabbling. As we approached closer, the Swan gave a few trumpeting calls and then flew to a more easterly portion of the channel. |
| Relative Size & Shape | Tremendously large swan with a long, straight neck. |
| Head | White head/throat/nape with some reddish staining, flattened head profile sloping from crown to tip of the bill, black eyes. |
| Feet & Bill | Long, flattened, black bill that encompassed the eyes - thick black lores encompassed the eyes with a straight margin from eye to mouth. Reddish line between top and bottom bill slightly visible. Black feet. |
| Upper Back | Swan-like - large, rounded and brilliant white. |
| Lower Back & Rump | Swan-like: large, rounded and brilliant white |
| Wings | Estimated 6-foot wingspan. All-white plumage. |
| Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts | All white. |
| Tail | All white. |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | Mute swan was eliminated due to black bill and straight neck. |
| Other Notes & Comments | Distance to individual, lat/long coordinates, and time of sighting are estimated. |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Immediately After |
Vermont Atlas of Life Partners
