We went back to Bear Island Wildlife Management Area for another try at seeing the Tundra Swans taking off from their overnight resting spot. We couldn’t get very close but we did get to see, and hear, a few.
These swans can weigh up to 23 pounds (10 Kilos) so getting into the air takes a huge effort and considerable runway distance.
The noise of the flapping of their wings echoing across the pond first alerted me. The ducks and other swans behind them paid no attention.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, 1/24/2018
Nice shots on these beautiful, graceful birds.
Paz
Thanks, Paz!
Very nice! The air must have been echoing with their calls.
Thanks! Yes, and they murmur to each other continuously while they are floating.
I’ve enjoyed watching Tundra Swans up on the Chesapeake Bay and have seen them run on ice to get airborne. Hearing the sound of their wings is amazing!