Tundra Swan @ Unwin Bridge

[Kris Ito]

Not much free time lately but the Unwin Bridge is a quick and easy spot for a little pop-in birding. Similar to last year the small area of open water here is attracting a large number of water fowl, many of whom are struggling to find enough food. Apparently there are a few people who try to bring food on a semi-regular basis, but judging by the number of dead birds, it just isn't enough to help them survive the current ice conditions. The highlight today was a lovely mature Tundra Swan. It was trying to get close to the large group of Trumpeters but they kept chasing it away. I was told by another birder that it has been there for about a week. I suspect that many of the ducks and swans here including the Tundra are the same birds that were being seen earlier in the winter over at the Leslie Spit before the ice started to set in. Of the 13 Trumpeters, 7 appear to be a family unit, with the 5 kids practicing their courtship displays by copying mom and dad. There were at least 4 Lesser Scaup mixed in with the usual assorted ducks, as well as the lone surviving grey domestic duck that has lingered here since September. Anyone with time to stop by might wish to consider bringing something healthy to feed the birds - I'm sure they would reward you with some excellent close views and you would be helping them to survive a little bit longer.  -Kris

p.s. I believe there is a city by-law against feeding waterfowl - so discretion is advised.

Tundra Swan by Kris Ito, on Flickr

[CalvinBird]

This Tundra Swan has pale iris, it is different from what I have seen before, here are 2 photos for comparison.

Calvin

[Brown-headed Birder]

The pale iris is a rarer variant in adult Tundra Swans.  Details online and in a book called Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America by Guy Baldassare.  Good catch.

Theresa

[CalvinBird]

Thank you, Theresa. Now I have a new title on my shopping list.

Calvin

[BC]

Thanks for posting the Tundra Swan, Kris. It was still there midday yesterday (Thursday, February 26) with seven Trumpeters and two Mutes. Note that you may not see it from the footbridge. If so, stroll down Unwin a bit and check from there.

[Kris Ito]

Glad it was still there yesterday - it's always nice to find out that a bird you've reported is considerate enough to stick around for others to enjoy too!
The eye colour is quite interesting. I knew it was unusual but hadn't realized just how uncommon it really is. Thanks for the info Theresa; and for the additional photos Calvin!

-Kris

[Rotarran]

Thanks Kris for the heads up on this bird. I've trying to see this particular individual for quite some time.  I passed by there yesterday and met a kind gentleman there who brought nutrition for our feathered friends.  I don't want to discourage anyone but if you plan on doing the same, just be mindful that the Trumpeters can get a bit assertive when they see that you have brought something for them.  And they are big birds.

Here's a pic of the Tundra that I took, looks like it is smiling a bit  

[Kris Ito]

The Tundra was still present today in the early afternoon when my friend Theresa and I stopped in for a visit. There isn't much open water left now so when we first arrived we couldn't find him - must have been swimming somewhere along the channel beyond the bridges. He eventually showed and came to the edge of the beach for some food.  A woman with a very kind heart was just finishing scattering three huge bags of cracked corn when we first arrived. It was nice to see so many birds being well fed, even if it was only for one day - though I suspect a few other kind souls have been pitching in as well. We laughed a little looking at the size of her three big bags compared to the small size of the one we brought! There was also a bit of excitement when the local Peregrine gave chase to the two Ravens. No doubt the two species do not make good neighbours.

-Kris

[Dinusaur]

He was there today together with a bunch of Trumpeter and Mute. Nice to see all three varieties in one place. There were also many varieties of ducks  including a Northern Pintail.