Hygiene swan id (Boulder Co., 12/9)

[David Dowell]

The juvenile swan continues in the pond north of Hygiene Road, about 1 mile west of the intersection with 75th.  I'm inclined to agree with Georgia Olmstead's Dec. 1 identification as a TUNDRA SWAN.  This swan is already rather light colored, and the legs and feet are dark (nearly black).  These are good indicators of Tundra Swan, according to my recent reading on tips for identifying these challenging juvenile swans.  There is a light patch on the lores of this swan, particularly on the right side of the head, where we might expect the yellow to develop in the coming months.  The swan does have a notch in the bill, but I've seen the same in some photos of juvenile Tundra Swans.

Just my two cents' worth.  Additional input welcomed.

David Dowell

Longmont, CO