Trumpeter Swans - Kevin Bemis

Trumpeter Swans

I have made a hobby out of monitoring, and occasionally photographing, Trumpeter Swans in my area. They are still considered endangered animals in my State. Beautiful creatures.

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.

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!