Potter's Marsh south of
Anchorage, Alaska
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Tundra and Trumpeter Swans on the Move
Potter's Marsh south of
Anchorage, Alaska
Mid-afternoon and 120 miles
from Seward, I stopped briefly at a Potter's Marsh pullout to enjoy watching a
small group of swans. A single TUNDRA SWAN, smaller, and with a yellow patch on
its bill, lingered near the scattered pairs of TRUMPETERS that were busy preening
and paddling to and fro. Spitting snow and a cold north wind lent a sense of
urgency to the scene. Accompanied by murmurs and gentle honking, the swans
bobbed their graceful heads up and down, sometimes alternately, sometimes in
synchrony. Decisions were being made.
Abruptly, one Trumpeter
bobbed deeply and then dramatically reared back, wings raised wide and ready
for action. The targeted swan stretched its giant wings in response but quickly
turned to half-run, half-fly just out of reach of the threatening open beak and
arched neck of the angry swan. The sudden attack ended after a short chase, no
physical harm inflicted, just wounded pride. The Tundra swan watched it all
from a safe distance behind them. All is not peace and harmony with these
angelic-looking swans!
Further consultations by the
aggrieved Trumpeter swan pair, evidenced by the increasing tempo of head
bobbing, (so fascinating to watch!) resulted in a decision to fly off to
another section of the marsh. The smaller Tundra swan flew off with them,
apparently accepted as an amicable migratory companion.
The spectacular swan show
resolved, I got back to the welcome warmth of my car and migrated down the
road, south, to my home.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
on the road
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