"Papa"
This was one of my last photos of 'Papa' days before finding him deceased across the pond from 'Mama' on nest. We believe he died defending his family from an aggressor. Here he swam to get between me and the nest.
Sadly this handsome male passed away 4/24/17. I helped recover him. We believe he was injured while protecting the nest. Mama successfully raised two of the four cygnets. Three remaining eggs never hatched.
Sleep
I spent so many days next to "Mama" after "Papa" died, she became comfortable closing her eyes to rest with me there.
Three never to be
"Mama", her mate died 30 days prior to their hatching, seven total eggs. Two of the four cygnets were also lost, but the remaining two made it and fledged!
First Swim
2017 - Three of the beautiful cygnets climbing back from their very first swim. Cygnet #4, the youngest, was still a little afraid of the climb down and just watched (and peeped). Tomorrow he would succeed!
Monitored this pair of sibling Cygnets their first year, from hatching, to their first swim, to their first flight. This particular day they were not getting along too well! Papa Trumpeter passed away days before they hatched, I know because I helped recover him. He died defending the nest. Mama Trumpeter raised these adolescents alone. I watched them fly away for their winter retreat. Bittersweet.
Sibling Spat
Preparing for first flight
2018 adolescent days before first flight.
