Tern
Lake, Mile 38 at the Y
I
just found my photos of the Tern Lake TRUMPETER SWAN family, taken on my trip
to Homer on October 11th.
I
was so disappointed to think I had erased them and so very delighted to find I
had not!
At
that date, there was no ice on the lake threatening the
cygnet-who-would-not-fly. Despite having the entire lake for their use, the
family fed very close to the road. It was pretty amazing.
I
usually stay in my car and use it for a blind, but a woman was kneeling right
next to them, then another photographer walked over. The Swans, especially the
cygnet did not seem to mind. So I piled out and joined the party. It’s not
often that one is allowed to be so close to wild Swans!
It’s
always interesting to document the cygnet’s bill changing from pink to black;
this one still had a large area of pink sandwiched between the black base and
tip.
From
this and other viewings, it seemed that the cygnet was in charge. The parents
often trailed behind it, sometimes expressing concern in soft honks and ignored
head bobbing as it paddled straight for the shore and people.
When
the parents finally turned away, bobbing emphatically, the cygnet considered
whether or not it wished to leave. I’ve never seen this independent behavior in
such a young swan. Could be dangerous.
That
day, when the parents paddled away, the cygnet hopped up on a small island and
preened, taking its sweet time before finally joining them.
After
checking out the silver salmon at the outlet at Dave’s Creek, I returned to
check on them. They were again close to the road and no one was around. One
parent in particular was in very shallow water. It was just incredible to actually
SEE its long white neck like a flexible hose, the white head and black bill
probing the bottom as it harvested the aquatic plants. Another first!
Today,
I checked the cygnet close-up photos carefully, looking for any evidence of
fishing line that might have prevented it from flying, but thankfully found
none.
As
the ice closed in on October 19th, the independent and ignorant
youngster finally realized it was time to figure it out and they left. I hope
it let the wiser, more experienced, but indulgent parents lead the way.
Happy
Birding!
Carol
Griswold
Seward
Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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