Though trumpeter swans once were considered one of the rarest birds in North America, they're fairly easy to spot in Yellowstone National Park. These two, along with a third, were somehow enjoying the Firehole River last week when the ambient air temperature was right around -21 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 Celsius).
This swan species is the largest of North American waterfowl, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In the wild they are thought to mate for life. And that can be a long time, as they can live to 24 years or longer.
Kurt,
What an awesome picture. I hope you will share more pictures and stories of your recent trip to Yellowstone in the winter. This trip has long been on my bucket list....so I am envious.
Very cool picture! Ever since hearing about George Melendez Wright's passion for preserving the Trumpeters, I will never look at them the same way ever again! When we were in Yellowstone a couple of weeks ago, right before Christmas, we saw "7 Swans A Swimming" along the Madison! They are such elegant looking birds!
Connie Hopkins
Great pictures and great trip, Kurt! You perfectly captured the flight of these swans!