The Story of the Young Swan that Caused Concern

This afternoon I came upon this lone young trumpeter swan in the company of many Canada geese gathered on a small area of ice and open water. That the swan was alone was concerning. Might this swan be ill - maybe with avian influenza? May have it been orphaned by parent birds lost to avian influenza? Might the bird be injured? Why was this young swan alone?

I watched the swan for many minutes and observed continuous feeding, yet the swan was alone. Finally, I got out of my truck to check its reaction. Still, the swan did not take flight. There was nothing I could do but wonder.

Minutes later I began a hike around Segment A of Sweet Marsh. As I approached the outlet of that pool, wave after wave of trumpeter swans flew overhead toward the open water and landed on ice nearby. I could only hope the swan outside of Segment A would join this mass of trumpeter swans.

After my hike was completed I checked on the lone young trumpeter swan. My hope came was realized and my concern was unnecessary. The young swan had joined the other swans. The small area of water was clear of waterfowl. I felt good about that!

Also seen today at close range was this sub-adult bald eagle.