Hi all,
My dad and I ventured out to Spottswood Rd in southern Augusta County today to
try and refind Allen Larner's immature possible Trumpeter Swan. The bird was
easy to find at the pond not far off the road on the north side just east of
the I-81 bridge.
I noted many of the same field marks that Allen noted this morning: Overall a
muted gray bird, not quite white. The bird forehead and bill were both long,
and very pointed. The feathers coming down to the bill made an obvious "V"
shape, unlike the curved shape of Tundra Swan. Twice the bird lifted it's leg
to scratch itself and the leg and foot were a very dark yellowish/green color,
unlike the jet black of Tundra Swan. In addition, the bird several times
showed a red "grin patch" or gape area. I believe this is something that
Tundra Swans rarely show.
I took many photos, both "digiscopes" with my iPod Touch and also many with my
Panasonic Lumix camera. I've uploaded the best onto flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielmapel/sets/72157639020500056/with/11554352604/
With the field marks I noted above, and the extensive 25 minute look in great
light, I feel somewhat strongly that this is very likely an immature Trumpeter,
not Tundra Swan. That said, I am far from an expert on these two species, and
opinions are more than welcome.
Good Birding, Thanks, Merry Christmas,
Gabriel Mapel
New Hope, VA
