Snow Goose Hunters Be Careful

This afternoon at Sweet Marsh, not far from where hunters had set up decoys near the edge of the refuge, I noticed this lone juvenile trumpeter swan hanging out with Canada geese. At first quick glance, before I stopped and studied the bird, I thought - “What a large snow goose!” Then I looked closer at the bird.

Knowing snow goose hunting seasons are liberal, I want to encourage snow goose hunters - especially younger or less experienced hunters - to be very careful of what white birds you attempt to bring down. Trumpeter swans are protected and this one was really taking a chance by hanging with the geese. And yes, I know Canada geese cannot be hunted at Sweet Marsh, but geese and swans move around.

Please be mindful of the white waterfowl passing through the area. We have many swans and now we have a lone juvenile swan too - and not with its family that I could find. FYI - The fine and liquidated damages for taking a swan are $1,500.

In the same area as the geese and swan I watched a juvenile bald eagle feeding on a bird. From my vantage point I could not recognize the prey species being eaten.

After the eagle was finished with the bird, the young bird walked over to open water and took a dozen or more sips of water before flying off. I am hopeful the meal was not an injured bird with lead in it. When I watched it, the eagle was flying fine.

The Canada geese really maintained a close watch over the bald eagle - while eating and drinking. I wonder if they recognize what happened.