Sunday, December 5, 2010

Mostly Trumpeter Swans

Now that my Christmas tree is up and twinkling, I can get on with the rest of December's excitement, such as mincemeat pie making, shortbread...oh, and I probably need to do a bit of Christmas gift buying for my sons ;) Well, that was my plan until yesterday dawned bright and blue...frosty, but clear. So, packing up my camera, off I went to check on the Trumpeter Swans. Although my finger ends became a little numb, I managed to get a few shots I was happy with.

Photobucket


Photobucket


Photobucket



This really is a superb location to see wildlife. There were so many different kinds of sea birds ~ and, as usual, the patrolling sea lions popping their heads up every so often. There were a couple of eagles about, but not as many as usual. Maybe they took one look at those very large Trumpeter Swans that winter in this area, and decided to head for other locations.

Here is a video I made of "Mostly Trumpeter Swans" - try full screen and make sure your sound is on!

6 comments:

  1. You're right about the variety of feathered friends to see! I enjoyed the video very much and can see why they are called trumpeters ;-)

    About the possibility of a kitten... I think roomie and I are both realizing that three is a much more comfortable number of four-legged-types we can manage.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Nikki - glad you enjoyed the video. I nearly dropped the camera when they took off in flight and as you can see it took me awhile to re-focus! It was chilly out there so there's a bit of shivery-ness going on with no tripod.

    Your cats are so cute and with such unique personalities that I can understand wanting more...however, like children, they keep you hopping! Three does seem like a do-able number!

    ReplyDelete
  3. A lovely post and terrific video.
    Swans are such majestic birds, and you're so lucky to see so many like that.
    I'm trying to remember when I last saw a swan! Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. A round of applause for the trumpeter swans....

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very well captured Glo.
    I loved the way the geese and swans swam in line - reminded me of taking a class of young children on a nature walk. When the swans took off it sounded just like an audience was applauding.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Flighty ~ Glad you liked the video. There were over 30 trumpeters there, and considering in the 1930's they were nearly extinct with only 70 of them worldwide, it is good to see they are doing well. I'm sure there won't be any swans visiting on your allotment, so where would the nearest place be to spot one?

    Hi UPDD ~ Yes, an applause is right! Lots of huge clapping wings is rather startling!

    Hi John ~ Yes, I can see how the row of swimmers would be reminiscent of lines of children on a trip. There are an amazing variety of seabirds all getting along well, probably because of the abundance of food choice. Occasionally a seagull, for example, will find a choice tidbit and then be harassed by others. It's very serene...except when the honking, quacking, squawking and clapping of wings start up!

    ReplyDelete