A rare and exciting sight has captured the attention of Warren County residents. Trumpeter swans, the largest swans native to North America, have been seen in the area, including one named Geffroy, who was tagged near Toronto, Ontario, last January by Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario.  
 
The first report of Geffroy in Warren County came on January 9, and the swan has been spotted regularly since. Recently, three other trumpeter swans were seen alongside Geffroy, making the sighting even more significant.  
 
Typically found in the Midwest, these birds are not commonly seen in this region. Katie Finch, a senior nature education leader at the Audubon Community Nature Center, explained that the appearance of these birds in Warren County is exceptionally rare.  
 
“Trumpeter swans rely on open water for feeding, and they are usually found in the Midwest, Alaska, and up in Canada,” Finch said. “Seeing them here is very exciting.”  
 
However, some people have confused these birds with the more common Tundra swan. Unlike Tundra swans, Trumpeter swans are much larger, with an average wingspan of up to eight feet. They also have distinctive black faces and are known for their very loud call, which gives them the name "trumpeter."  
 
"Trumpeter swans were almost extinct," stated Finch. "Thanks to conservation and habitat restoration efforts, they have rebounded in numbers. But even still, they are rare in North America." 
 
Experts are uncertain why the swans have ventured so far from their usual routes but speculate that recent weather patterns, including the polar vortex, may have played a role.
 
While the swans’ visit is exciting, experts urge the public to exercise caution. Visitors are encouraged to admire the birds from a safe distance to avoid stressing them. Additionally, icy conditions near the water can pose risks to those hoping to catch a glimpse of the swans.  
 
The presence of these rare birds is a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the impact of weather patterns on wildlife. Whether due to changing conditions or other factors, the trumpeter swans’ appearance has brought a special moment to Warren County.  
 
For more information on Trumpeter swans and conservation efforts for their species, visit here

 

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