Trumpeter Swans

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

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.

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.

Gallup Park, Ann Arbor, MI

Single Mom, 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!

Coming at you #1

Coming at you #2

Coming at you #3

Coming at you #4

Coming at you #5

Coming at you #6

Coming at you #7

Coming at you #8

Coming at you #9