Vermont Rare Bird Reports 2022

Calm wind, light overcast, 35 F.

Vortex Razor HD 11 to 33x. Attached photos taken with phone through this scope.

Have seen this species numerous times in this county and this area (Missisquoi NWR), usually in April and May, but also in fall. Have also seen in Northern Minnesota.

Shallow water of Lake Champlain. Diving ducks were prevalent in slightly deeper water beyond the swans.

Feeding near emergent grasses, occasionally walking into and standing among the grasses.

Did not hear any vocalization.

The four swans were noticed immediately on arriving at the location. Very prominent, large white birds. On closer examination at ~15x and higher, noted the large, solid black bills that was straight from eyes down to tip along upper edge, and angled directly down from eyes to lower bill. Slight yellow wash noted on head and neck, but no yellow on lores.

Better photos of these birds were taken a few hours later by Jim Mead: https://ebird.org/checklist/S122947956

Nearly twice as large as a Canada Goose.
The only waterfowl that were immediately adjacent were buffleheads, which of course would look small compared to any swan, but these swans were obviously quite large. In past years I have seen Tundra Swans in this same bay and at Sandbar in Chittenden County. These four were definitely larger than Tundra Swans.

All white, but with a yellow wash or tint.

Bill solid black, straight culment.

White back with low rounded arch.

White

All white. Did not see any of the birds extend its wing.

All white.

Tail not remarkably long.

from Tundra Swan: these were larger, with bold, straight black bills.

from Mute Swan: these had short tails, black bills