Trumpeter Swans Largest waterfowl species in North America Wingspan of 7-8 feet Weigh 21-30 pounds Stand 4 feet high Species of Special Concern in Montana
Once widespread throughout northern North America
Decimated by hunting for skin and feathers 1600-1800 s Nearly extinct by early 1900 s
Small group of 68 Trumpeters was found in the Centennial Valley of Montana in 1935 Conservation efforts have helped restore them to many areas
Today there are over 30,000 Trumpeter Swans in North America. A few hundred Trumpeters live in Montana
Trumpeters in the Blackfoot Valley Meriwether Lewis, passing by the Clearwater River in the Blackfoot Valley on July 6, 1806, wrote in his journal: saw two swan in this beautiful Creek. In 2003 a pair nested in Lincoln. The Lincoln female was killed and the eggs were rescued. Chicks were hatched and released in the Blackfoot, beginning the Blackfoot Swan Reintroduction Program
Trumpeter Swans need large, shallow wetlands for feeding and nesting
Now young captive-raised swans are released each year in the Blackfoot. Swans are marked with leg and neck bands before release.
Biologists hope the young swans, after migrating, will return to the Blackfoot and raise their own young when old enough (4+ years old).
Blackfoot Program 2005 10 swans 2006 17 swans 2007 13 swans 2008 43 swans 2009 29 swans Total 112 2010 Plan is to release 30 swans
Swans sightings are reported by landowners and citizens
Dangers to swans include: Exposure and starvation Lead poisoning (from ingesting lead shot) Illegal shooting Hunting Habitat loss Power lines and fences Predation Parasites Disease
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking information related to the shooting of a trumpeter swan on Jan. 4 south of Dillon near Poindexter Slough. Officials released the bird last fall as part of a popular trumpeter swan restoration project underway in the Blackfoot Valley since 2005. FWP Seeks Information On A Trumpeter Swan Shot South Of Dillon Friday, January 30, 2009 "The loss of this bird is a blow to the many volunteers and organizations working toward the restoration of the trumpeter swan in the Blackfoot Valley," said Tom Hinz, FWP wetlands coordinator, in Bozeman. This is the second swan to be shot illegally since the project began. Another was illegally killed in 2008 near Helmville. The public is encouraged to call 1-800- TIP-MONT (800-847-6668) with information about the death of the trumpeter swan. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1000 with the conviction of those responsible for this crime.
SWANS DYING OF LEAD POISONING Each time a shotgun is fired, many pellets fall to the ground where they remain available to feeding birds. The swans pick up the lead shot in areas where they are feeding or seeking grit, in wetlands or in agricultural fields. Washington Swan Working Group Dead swans in Washington laid out for necropsy.
Trumpeter Swan Biology Males are called cobs Females are called pens Juveniles are cygnets
Trumpeters live 20-30 years and mate for life Lay 4-6 eggs per year in nest made of cattails, rushes, or sedges, often on beaver or muskrat lodge Eat submerged and emergent plants.
Submergent plants are those that grow completely submerged beneath the surface of the water, such as this Elodea (also called pondweed). It is an important food for swans and other animals. Emergent plants are rooted in soil below the water but emerge into the air above the water surface. Cattails are one type of emergent plants.
In Montana, Trumpeters migrate in fall to areas of open water in southern Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.
Other Swans Tundra Swan The only other native swan in North America Migrates through and winters in Montana but breeds in northern Canada and Alaska Mute Swan Introduced species that harass native waterfowl and uproot large quantities of aquatic vegetation Mute Trumpeter Tundra