Tagged Female Trumpter Swan and baby Wood Ducks at Grenadier

[KPaw]

A female Trumpter (tag # 886) showed up at Grenadier Pond this evening.  Needless to say, the resident male Mute was not happy about it.  She was forced onto land and a stand-off ensued.  Had it not been getting dark and rainy I would have waited to see the outcome...

There is also a family of 13 or 14 baby Wood Ducks who first made their appearance only yesterday.  For those of you who are familiar with Grenadier Pond, the Wood Duck Family are in  the area where the pair of Mute Swans reside but they are tucked tight right next to (almost under) the footpath among the marshy/grassy area (where the big old tree has fallen into the pond).  You will probably hear the female before you see them.

I suppose day I shall learn never to leave home without my camera.

Question: Do Wood Ducks normally have such large families?

[Bird Brain]

Question: Do Wood Ducks normally have such large families?

Yes.    Apparently, usually between 9-14.  Years ago, I saw a mom Wood Duck with 14 babies at High Park.  Must be something in the water there!  :lol:

Jo-Anne  

[The Observer]

Back in March '09 there was a Toronto Star article regarding the comeback of North America's indigenous Trumpeter Swan.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/610108

In the article they request sighting information (where you saw the swan, tag # and such):
"Scientists rely on public sightings of swans for their studies. If you see a trumpeter swan – many have bright yellow tags – email: theholtentwo@rogers.com"

[KPaw]

Back in March '09 there was a Toronto Star article regarding the comeback of North America's indigenous Trumpeter Swan.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/610108

In the article they request sighting information (where you saw the swan, tag # and such):
"Scientists rely on public sightings of swans for their studies. If you see a trumpeter swan – many have bright yellow tags – email: theholtentwo@rogers.com"

Hi, back last fall I saw two that were also tagged and I notified Ducks Unlimited Canada who put me in touch with a gentleman called (to the best of my recollection as I don't have my notes with me at the moment) Harry or Henry Lamsden (again, not absolutely sure).  He corresponded with me and took all the information.  He is with Wye Marsh Conservation or something like that.

Thanks for the articles and I will certainly read them when I return home and I will notify the appropriate authorities.

Thanks very much!

[The Observer]

Man you're good...I can barely remember my own name (smile). It is Harry Lumsden, with the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Project and works out of LaSalle Park in Burlington I believe.

Be well.

[KPaw]

Man you're good...I can barely remember my own name (smile). It is Harry Lumsden, with the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Project and works out of LaSalle Park in Burlington I believe.

Be well.

You know why I remembered his name?  Because after he was forwarded my e-mail he actually called me up in person on the phone (what a curious notion, ah - the P H O N E??). Anyway, he was a very nice fellow and a real gentleman and had such an interest in this Trumpter I had seen that was tagged.  He took time to tell me about all his efforts regarding the Trumpters and asked me to call him again should I see more tagged Trumpters.  He is of the generation that doesn't rely on e-mail which was very refreshing as my generation was brought up on e-mail.  Anyway, a nice nice man whose manners and interest in what is obviously a passion with him just remained somewhere in my mind.  Not to mention that I have since read a bit on him.  Anyway, finally opened up the article mentioned in the posting and there he is again!  I am headed back tonight to see if this particular Trumpter is still there and will take pictures this time.  Never fails - when I don't take my camera some interesting bird almost comes up and introduces himself to me....

Bye for now.