Swan update

[killdeer43]

We've had as many as 3,000 Trumpeter and Tundra Swans in the north county this winter, and most are doing their stretches and getting ready to head north.

Unfortunately, not all will make the trip back, due to many cases of lead poisoning and the accidental encounters with utility lines.

Magnificent birds,
Joe

 

[West R Lee]

Thy're not supposed to be using lead Joe, not in the United States anyway. Steel shot is Federal law, and has been for about 2 decades! It's a catch 22 though in my opinion. They say lead causes poinsoning, but steel doesn't have the weight and cripples many more birds than lead ever poisoned.

West

 

[Jeff]

There's a pair of swans, newly resident, on our end of the lake. Last two canoe outings with grandchildren they've allowed us to approach quite closely. With any luck they'll nest here & hatch a brood. Challenging environment to raise chicks, hawks, owls, eagles & a lake surrounded by hundreds of homes.

I've been reluctant to include a camera in the canoe with impulsive, energetic grandchildren. Should this pair hatch a brood I'll risk it.

Concerning lead shot, obviously lead is more deadly, but there's enough science to justify using steel shot. If you practice & shoot within range, steel shot works well enough. Cripples just plain suck, should be illegal to hunt waterfowl without a dog. Steel shot regulations came into effect about the same time my best dog died. Hand loading shotshells for hunting became obsolete & I stopped shooting. Still go with the boys but I do the calling & pitchur takin. I'm also the chief retreiver of Grandsons falling in the drink & build the fires needed to dry them out.

 

[killdeer43]

Thy're not supposed to be using lead Joe, not in the United States anyway. Steel shot is Federal law, and has been for about 2 decades! It's a catch 22 though in my opinion. They say lead causes poinsoning, but steel doesn't have the weight and cripples many more birds than lead ever poisoned.

West

Jim: The lead comes from old shot that was used before the steel shot law and can still be found in agricultural fields and shallow lake bottoms where the swans graze and forage for food.
We did censuses with Fish and Wildlife for several years in an attempt to determine where the swans were picking up the lead and the focus is now on one particular lake that straddles the international border.

Jeff: Do you know what kind of swans they are?

Here's one of two Trumpeters that were released in January after recovering at a local wildlife rehab center.

It's an often thankless job but the dedicated volunteers who do the rehab work are to be commended.

Joe