I heard back from Trumpeter Swan Society today regarding the 3 swans seen
Christmas 2016
at about the same location as the recent confirmed Trumpeter Swan.
Their response is quoted below. (I've changing my ID in that list from Tundra
to 3 Trumpeter Swans.)
Photos they reviewed are included in this checklist from that day:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S33190316
Jay Wherley
Asheville NC
Subject: Follow-up on North Carolina mountains Trumpeter Swan - earlier visit?
Date: Tue, Mar 7, 2017 at 6:57 PM
"Hi Jay,
Dr. Gary Ivey and I [Margaret Smith, Executive Director] were able to touch
base today to review and discuss your photos.
I am copying him here in case you have further questions.
He is 90% sure they are trumpeter swans, most likely brood mates. Signs of
being trumpeter swans include the deep V shape of the bill between the eyes,
the flatter head shape
(especially the top of the head) creating more of a wedge-shape head. Did you
hear any sounds from them? Where were their parents?
http://www.sibleyguides.com/2006/02/distinguishing-trumpeter-and-tundra-swans/
It is pretty difficult to tell tundra swans from trumpeter swans, especially
when they are cygnets and change over time."
On 2/27/17 9:27 AM, Jay Wherley wrote:
So... was a Trumpeter Swan, possibly *the same bird* part of the group of 3
swans seen in nearly
the same location around Christmas day 2016?
Attached are a few photos of the Christmas swans, and a little composite
comparing head
profile of Dec. vs. Feb bird.
With the success Tony Hargrove had with Trumpeter Society, I've sent
photos and question off to them for an opinion too.
Jay Wherley
Asheville
