Mute Swan in Woodbury County.

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Clayton Will

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Aug 25, 2025, 6:10:54 PMAug 25
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The Mute Swan continues this afternoon at 3043 - 335th st. West of Smithland, Woodbury County. I spoke with the property owner a bit ago and she told me it came in on its own earlier in the year. Paul Roisen is here and the bird is fairly tame so we think it has been being fed from the two docks. It can walk on land. 

Clayton Will
Madrid

Clayton Will

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Aug 25, 2025, 6:12:36 PMAug 25
to IA-BIRD, Clayton Will
I took some good video. Paul said the wings do not appear to be clipped. 

Clayton Will

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Aug 25, 2025, 6:16:57 PMAug 25
to IA-BIRD, Clayton Will
PS-ps (:) I photographed 17 to 20 Blue Grosbeak tody in the flatlands between Smithland and I-29 South of Hornick/ Hwy 141. There were 9 in one mile. Mostly adults but some juveniles. 

Clayton Will

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Aug 25, 2025, 6:33:59 PMAug 25
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Paul Roisen

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Aug 25, 2025, 8:05:11 PM (14 days ago) Aug 25
to Clayton Will, IA-BIRD
Clayton and all.  As I watched for a period of time it appeared that the primaries on the right side were, in fact, clipped.  I have not had a chance to review my photos yet so that is still up for debate.  It did not vocalize any except for some snorting should when it put it's head and neck into the water and shook it all over then did some preening.
   Overly friendly, walking right up to a person seems strange as well, however that by itself does not necessarily rule out a wild bird.  In Michigan when I was canoeing, the Mute Swans (numerous!!!) would approach the canoe likely looking to be fed.
   Bill Huser and Jerry Probst both feel that it is not a likely candidate to be considered a countable species--then again I am no longer sure what the protocols are.

That all for now.   Thank to Clay for putting out the word regardless of the countability.

God Bless and good birding to you all.  It was a God "blessed" beautiful day to be out and about as Anna and I drove home from Davenport today.  Iowa looked great everywhere we went today.  Best in years.

Paul O. Roisen
Sioux City, IA 51106  Woodbury County, IA


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