Kip’s Comments - December 18, 2024

Painful Reality

What I have been fearing became a painful reality this morning. II have been expecting to see dead trumpeter swans. What I was not expecting was that the first affected swan I would see was going to be a young swan I have seen often in my videos. And it was in the dying process. That was hard.

Young Trumpeter Swan Dying - Image 933521

I recognize this is nature at its worst, but still - a young trumpeter swan had to be the first?

Not too far from the dying young swan was this swan that was swimming alone, frequently putting its bill in the water. Three explanations come to mind: 1 - Nothing is wrong with it. 2 - This swan is also ill and will soon expire. 3 - Maybe it was a parent bird for the young swan that is dying on the ice. Maybe time will tell.

Lone Trumpeter Swan - Image 933507

I put together a video from this morning’s flight at the death zone. View the video at this link:

Sweet Marsh Waterfowl Update - Painful Reality

On a better note… when I drove home from Sweet Marsh my path crossed with this red-shouldered hawk. It posed long enough for three clicks of my Nikon and was gone. Three clicks were all I needed.

Red-shouldered Hawk - Image 933524