Trumpeter Swan

[BillSimpson]

I often go by the new large drainage pond at Conservation Drive and Dixie Road in Brampton. On Friday evening and this evening, I saw a very large solitary swan  there.

I studied it hard through my binoculars, and I am confident that it is a Trumpeter Swan rather than a Tundra due to the size and the absence of any marking on the beak.

From ebird, I see these are not common  sightings around here, particularly at this time of year, so perhaps worth a look.

[BillSimpson]

So - just for completeness - I went back to get a picture of the swan and it is still there.  

Note the odd angle of the right leg. All the time I was watching it, it never moved, although the Swan was cruising along with the other leg just fine. When I arrived, I spooked the geese who then spooked the Swan, and I saw it move very awkwardly into the water, which makes me think it is injured. Presumably it would be hard if not impossible for it to take off with a bad leg.

If that is the case, would any organization effect a rescue? It is a huge bird so will be very hard to corral and handle.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/22198292@N02/29703119662
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22198292@N02/29733469681

[Kris Ito]

The best resource in the GTA for any wildlife concerns is the Toronto Wildlife Centre https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/
You can phone their wildlife hotline @ 416-631-0662 and they will at least give you some good advice and possibly make arrangements for rescue if needed.
Good luck!

[BillSimpson]

Thanks Kris. I'll keep an eye on it and call in if it still appears to be in difficulties.