When I awoke this morning, I did not expect to stroke a sweet cygnet’s soft feathers a few hours later.
Since Wednesday, many birders noticed a lone swan at the far north end of Bear Lake when searching for the Wood Duck. Yesterday, as the lake froze to 99.9%, it was much closer and obviously a cygnet. Today, with the specter of death lurking nearby, Robin C activated Tasha who had an ADFG permit and the skills to rescue it.
As I waited in standby mode in town to buy fresh kale and deliver a dip net from the Alaska Sealife Center, Tasha donned her waders and did her magic. I got the wonderful news from Robin that they were carrying the Swan, safe in the dog kennel, down the Iditarod Trail and back to the car.
After some deliberation, we decided the best release site was the airport wetlands. Our spirits rose when we spotted the resident TRUMPETER SWAN family at the far end, paddling through vegetation flooded by a 12.4’ high tide. They and hundreds of MEW GULLS, standing on remnant ice on the pond, watched us warily.
Tasha extracted the calm cygnet from the kennel and expertly assessed its beak, neck, wings, body, feet, and body weight, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Then she carried the cygnet snugly, noting the importance of keeping the powerful wings and strong feet folded. It was truly heartwarming to see this innocent, trusting youngster, so recently close to death, quietly looking ahead as we sloshed down the flooded and icy path, as if it knew hope lay ahead.
Tasha let me stroke its soft feathers; what a thrill! It didn’t seem to mind. Be still my beating heart!
Then it was time to gently set the cygnet down at the water’s edge. Unfazed, it slowly paddled off toward the Swan family. We were all bummed when the family took off, but hopeful that they or other Swans would eventually fly back and adopt or at least tolerate this little orphan. Or best of all, be reunited with its parents.
Team Tasha and Robin did as much as they could; now it’s up to Nature to deal the next hand. At least the odds are much better here where there is food, the nearby creek will not freeze, and other Swans will visit.
Three cheers!
And yes, after a long time and anxious wait, Anchorage Audubon Commander-in-Chief Keys found the fabled WOOD DUCK when it flew back from wherever to join the rest of the duck gang at the rapidly shrinking open spot at Bear Lake. Sometimes perseverance is rewarded!
Congratulations to all on a very satisfying day!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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