Major Tundra Swan flight this morning

[Bill Lamond]

Hello,

Today (21 March) there was a major movement of Tundra Swans. It has been a great year for seeing swans in flight and foraging in fields in the HSA. Perhaps the best year ever in my experience. I was at the HNC Amaolo Sanctuary (intersection of Powerline and Weir Rds as part of a restoration work party. When I arrived at 9:45, someone immediately pointed a flock of about 80+ swans going over WNW. Then over the next 2 hours several more flocks went over. As always, it was wonderful to hear them coming and then finally see them.

John Hannah and I estimated/counted about 366 swans. There must have been more we missed when the chainsaws were whirring.

It is late to get such a significant flight of swans. Of course it is quite variable, but often the bulk of birds have gone through in the first 10 days of March. They got a late start this year and the migration seems to be quite protracted.

One of the great joys of late Winter/early Spring.

Bill