It’s February now. We’re deep into winter. Looking at our frozen lakes, you might think that waterfowl may be hard to come by. But never fear—you haven’t missed your chance! There are some special spots in our area where you can still find open water and several waterfowl species, even through the coldest part of the season.
This week’s Entryway to Birding blog is going to focus on two of those species that can be notoriously difficult to tell apart—the tundra swan and the trumpeter swan. To help us out, I’ve invited a special guest, Madison Audubon’s very own Becky Abel, who researched trumpeter swans for her graduate work. Becky also served on board of The Trumpeter Swan Society for several years and later as Associate Director of the nonprofit. She’s gonna help us navigate all things swan!
Read on, and don’t forget to check the end of the post for the inside scoop on where you can find open water throughout winter—swans included!
One of these swans is not like the others! There have been two trumpeter swans (pictured far right) and a lone tundra swan (left) at Tenney Park. Seeing these species side-by-side can really help you understand their different field marks. What differences can you spot between these swans? Photo by Brandyn Kerscher
Swan Spotting
I felt lucky to see a field mark that isn’t always visible from a distance. Notice the red “lipstick” line on the lower mandible? That red line is unique to trumpeter swans. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
This week’s post was inspired by a pair of trumpeter swans that have been hanging out near a small patch of open water near the Tenney Park boat launch throughout the week. Unusually, there was a tundra swan hanging nearby as well. It is rare to get such a close comparison of the two species and this was an educational opportunity for a lot of birders!
Near the end of the week, the trumpeter pair moved down to the open patch of water at the mouth of the Yahara River at Yahara Place Park, where they again stayed for a few days. But just yesterday, they were back at Tenney Park! I saw them near the boat launch last night around 5pm, so if you want to look for them, I’d start with Tenney Park and then check Yahara Place Park if they aren’t there.
Winter is a good time to be finding trumpeter swans in the Madison area, so keep your eyes peeled as you’re out scanning flocks of tundra swans or birding near places with patches of open water. I researched the frequency of tundra and trumpeter swan sightings in our area in February using eBird, and over the past few years both of these species were found throughout the entire month of February. There’s no guarantee this year will shape up the same, but as of right now, there are still swans in the area for you to bird!
This was just part of the scene at Lewis Park in McFarland on Saturday. There were at least a hundred tundra swans (not all pictured) gathered on the edge of the ice, along with a lot of common goldeneye, common mergansers, gadwall, and more. Check the end of today’s post for more locations where you can find open water! Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Trumpeter or Tundra? Bill Field Mark 101
Picking out a trumpeter swan can be a challenge, especially when birds are farther away and you can’t get a nice, close look at the bill. I spent a lot of time back in December looking for a trumpeter swan and my mind was convincing me that each and every tundra without yellow on the lores could be a trumpeter swan, but I’ve since learned that the lack of yellow is NOT a reliable field mark. So many tundra swans are missing that yellow or have such a small spot that is hard to see from a distance.
I spent so much time looking at tundra bills, though, that once I finally found a trumpeter swan, it really stood out! I’m going to break down the bill-related field marks you should look for with some photos I’ve taken throughout this winter. Not all these photos are “picture perfect” and that’s intentional—your looks at swans may often be distant and blurry and it’s helpful to see some photos representing that.
Field mark #1: Trumpeter bills are larger and more wedge-shaped than tundra bills, with a long, straight slope from forehead to bill. Tundra bills will be shorter and have a slight concave curve or “swoop” to them.
The left image shows a trumpeter swan at the center. The right image shows two tundra swans. Look at the red line I’ve placed near the bill slope — can you see how straight the trumpeter bill is? Can you see that slight curve in the tundra bill? Notice how neither of the tundras show any yellow at their lores. Photos by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Looking at these two pictures, can you see how much larger and longer the trumpeter bill is? It makes a tundra’s bill look puny by comparison. You can see the curvature of the tundra bill from two angles in the second picture—depending on how they are facing you, that curve can be very pronounced or very hard to see, which is why it’s best to pair it with other field marks.
Field mark #2: Trumpeter bills will form a V-shape at the top of the bill, where tundra bills will show a rounded, curved U-shape across the top of the bill.
Two trumpeter swans are pictured on the left, and two tundra swans on the right. Can you see the V on the trumpeter’s bill as it tucks its head? Now, can you see the smooth curve of the U on the tundra swan on the right, in foreground? Also, think back to the previous field mark we just learned about: notice the curvature on the tundra bills, and compare it to the straight slope of the trumpeter on the left. The tundra in the far back also has just a teeny tiny dot of yellow at the lore, barely visible. Photos by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Pay attention to those moments when you can view a bird head on. At the top base of their bill, you’ll see a very distinct V-shape on a trumpeter. Tundras will have a more U-shape, but the curve is variable—I’ve seen that U appear very much like a deep U, sometimes a shallow U, and sometimes so flat of a U that it looks almost like a line. Angle plays a big role, but the V-shape on a trumpeter is quite sharp and will often stand out if you spot it.
Field mark #3: The eye of a trumpeter swan will be fully appear fully set in the black skin of the bill, whereas the eye of a tundra swan will appear more separate or connected by a thin line black.
Two trumpeter swans are pictured on the left, and a flock of tundra swans is on the right. Notice how the eyes of the trumpeter swans almost “disappear” into the black skin of the bill. Now look at those distant tundras—do you see a thin black line connecting their eye to bill? Their eye isn’t as fully lined with black skin and that separation is visible even from a distance. Photos by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
If you’re looking at swans from a distance, you can often rule out trumpeter if you see a very thin line connecting the bill to the eye. Trumpeter swans have much more black around their eye and will show a thicker band bridging the bill and eye. If you notice a swan in the distance whose eye seems prominently connected to the bill, take a closer look to see if you can find any other trumpeter field marks. The thickness of the skin around the eye can vary, though, especially with younger swans, and distance can play a factor in how well you see it. But combined with the other field marks above, it is another good sign to look for.
And remember: If the bill is all black, you could be dealing with a trumpeter or tundra swan. But if you see any hint of yellow on the bill, you are almost definitely looking at a tundra swan. But notice how in all the examples above, we couldn’t see any prominent yellow on the lores of the tundras. Don’t let the absence of yellow fool you into IDing the wrong species!
Trumpeter Swan Q&A with Becky Abel
Becky Abel
Becky is Madison Audubon’s director of philanthropy, but did you know that she’s also an expert on trumpeter swans? Becky’s graduate work helped with the reintroduction of trumpeter swans to Wisconsin. She served on board of The Trumpeter Swan Society for several years and later as Associate Director of the nonprofit.
There was only so much information my field guide was giving me about trumpeter swans, so I went to Becky for some more tailored insight. Here’s what I learned:
Caitlyn: Do you have any advice for new birders trying to distinguish these swans for the first time?
Becky: These are notoriously hard species to tell apart! So difficult that ornithologists once believed that the only way to distinguish Trumpeter Swans from Tundra Swans, if they weren't vocalizing, was to look at the windpipes of dead birds. Trumpeter Swans' windpipes are actually looped! Fortunately, we do have ways to distinguish the species that do not require dissection, though it is always easier if you can view them side by side.
When you see large flocks of swans gathering on our lakes, you’re very likely looking at tundra swans. This flock was part of a large group of tundras gathered on University Bay back in December. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
On migration, Tundra Swans typically move through Wisconsin in large, noisy flocks. Trumpeter Swans are more often observed in smaller family groups. Some Trumpeter Swans are also marked, with neck collars, wing tags, and/or leg bands. Tundra Swans should not be in Wisconsin during the breeding season, so if you see a black-billed swan in summer, it is likely a Trumpeter Swan.
By far, the easiest way to distinguish these two closely-related species is by their voice. Trumpeters earned their name because of their deep sonorous voice, likened to a brass instrument. In contrast, Tundra Swans have a much higher-pitched "woo" sounding call.
Caitlyn: It’s so helpful to know that trumpeter swans will travel in small, family groups while tundras will gather in large flocks. Becky, if you are attempting to pick out a trumpeter swan, what are some key visual field marks you’ll look for?
Becky: Most field guides will provide good tips, but there is inconsistency in the presence of markings and male tundras and female trumpeters can be similar sized. The classic field marks often surround the bill. Both species have black bills as adults, but many Tundra Swans (not all!) have a yellow yellow “teardrop” at the lores (near their eye). Tundra bills are usually dish-shaped or concave, while trumpeter bills have a flat, straight slope and appear heavier and wedge-shaped. Trumpeters will also have a red line on their lower mandible that resembles lipstick, but it can be difficult to see.
Here’s the Tenney Park trumpeter swans last night, showing off their long necks, sticking straight up like Becky describes. Pose will vary, but these are more good field marks to look for! (Want an example of a pudgy “baby face” tundra swan? Scroll up to see the tundra on this blog’s cover image!) Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
So many of these cues require comparison, though, and many are not always reliably present. In addition to the above cues, how do I discern species, since comparison is usually not possible? Well, Trumpeters have a proportionally longer neck and it just looks more erect to me. It almost reminds me of a pencil sticking straight up out of their bodies. Tundras, on the other hand, seem to have chunkier necks at the base, giving them a pudgier look. And speaking of pudgy—Tundras also have a chubbier look to their face. They have a rounder white forehead (which is more pointed on the trumpeter) and rounder-looking "cheeks," giving them more of a baby face.
Caitlyn: These are all really helpful field marks to consider! I know that trumpeter swans pass through Dane County in winter, but are there other places in Wisconsin that birders can find them and put their ID skills to the test?
Horicon Marsh is indeed a great spot! I photographed these trumpeter swans there this past August. It’s also a great place to spot cygnets, or young trumpeter swans. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Becky: The Trumpeter Swan population in Wisconsin now numbers several thousand and has spread across the state. The Crex Meadows/Amsterdam Sloughs area of Northwest Wisconsin in Burnett and Polk counties, the original site for the reintroduction, remains the highest density area. Trumpeters also nest in many other northern counties, and in Wisconsin's Central Sands and southwestern counties. Closer to Madison, you can head over to Horicon Marsh to see Trumpeters in spring, summer and fall.
Caitlyn: This is great info for anyone planning future birding trips to see trumpeter swans. How did you come to know so much about trumpeter swans, Becky?
Becky: I served on the board of The Trumpeter Swan Society for several years and later as Associate Director of the nonprofit. But long before that, for my graduate work, I developed a technique for reintroducing Trumpeter Swans to Wisconsin that involved hatching eggs in incubators, imprinting the cygnets on life-sized swan decoys, and towing the decoys, with cygnets following, around marshes to teach them behaviors needed for survival in the wild. Cygnets were led into predator-proof, heated cages each night, but spent full days feeding on wetlands. After fledging, they were allowed to fly freely.
The project was wildly successful, with the birds migrating (despite having no parents to teach them), returning to their rearing wetlands, and in some cases nesting on those same marshes. There was a time when I could recognize virtually every young Trumpeter Swan in the state by their facial markings, and now they number in the thousands!
Caitlyn: Oh. My. Gosh. That is amazing! I remember learning that trumpeter swans were removed from Wisconsin’s Endangered Species list in 2009, but I had no idea of all the work that went into their reintroduction. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge today, Becky, and for all those cygnets you helped fledge!
Where To Find Open Water Mid-Winter
Even if you don’t find a trumpeter swan, you might get some nice, close-up views of ducks, like this hooded merganser I saw on my swan adventuring! Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
I don’t know about you, but hearing about Becky’s graduate work to introduce trumpeter swans to Wisconsin makes me appreciate each and every trumpeter swan I see even more.
If you’re just as amazed by that reintroduction effort and want to go seek out a trumpeter swan, I’ve got some suggestions for areas with open water right now where you may find tundra swans, trumpeter swans, Canada geese, and many duck species, including common mergansers, hooded mergansers, common goldeneye, gadwall, ring-necked ducks, and more. Trumpeter swans will be in small numbers, but there have been some in our area lately—check the Tenney Park boat launch or Yahara Place Park by the mouth of the river to see if that pair I mentioned above may still be hanging around!
The Madison area is home to four lakes—Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. The Yahara River flows through these four lakes and in the wintertime, the flow of the Yahara allows some areas near the lake edges to stay open and ice-free. These are the places that waterfowl will gather. I’ve found that most of the best February waterfowl viewing is south of Madison, in McFarland. When I make the visit down there, there are three spots that are all fairly close to each other that I will visit. Here they are:
Lewis Park Observation Deck
The sidewalk and boardwalk seem to be shoveled and cleared regularly, making this a very accessible location. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Lewis Park is such a gem! It is on the north end of Lower Mud Lake and features an observation deck that gives you an excellent view of the lake. Thanks to the Yahara, the water nearest the observation deck will often stay open. Right now, there are swans gathered on the ice edge and lots of other waterfowl present as well. My most recent trip was on Saturday and I had a fun time listening to the hoo-hoo-ing of tundra swans, watching the common goldeneye throw their heads back in their courtship display, viewing up-close common mergansers and gadwall, and spotting flyover bald eagles.
I brought and used my scope to view the swans, but they and the ducks were close enough to view well with just binoculars.
Jaeger Park
If you stop to view the water at Jaeger Park, you can also park and take the trail into the woods to walk through Indian Mound Conservation Park, which is right next door. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
On your way to Lewis Park, you’ll drive over a bridge that passes the Yahara, and there’s a small dead-end road (Jaeger Rd) where you can view the river. While you might not always find swans here, you can find a lot of other waterfowl variety. I got a great, close views of hooded mergansers and common goldeneye, plus geese and mallards, and I didn’t even need to leave the warmth of my car, since the road is so close to the water!
In fact, to be completely honest, I actually would recommend staying in your car because there is a very, um … boisterous … flock of domestic geese that, if they see you, will come running. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
Babcock County Park
This is a nice, easy stop right off of Hwy 51 in McFarland. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Babcock County Park is another great spot to find open water and it’s on your way to both Lewis Park and Jaeger Rd. While I haven’t seen swans here, this is a good spot for other winter waterfowl. It was mostly mallards and common mergansers on my visit on Saturday, but the scene can vary a lot. There’s no risk of being chased by domestic geese either! You can view from the parking lot (in your car or out) accessed off Hwy 51, or you can access this park off the dead-end Camp Leonard Rd, off Bible Camp Rd, and walk a short trail around the pond or walk near the lake shoreline.
Other places of note where you can find open water are Fish Camp County Park on the north edge of Lake Kegonsa, the Yahara River at Mandt Park in Stoughton, Lake Kegonsa Lock and Dam, the bridge over the Yahara at East Dyerson Rd, and the Yahara River where it is widespread at County Rd B. In short, head south of town to McFarland and Stoughton and follow the Yahara!
Phew! That was a lot this week, but hopefully you’re now feeling nice and prepared to find and identify some swans in our area. If you’re not able to get out in February or the weather is too cold and snowy for your liking, wait a month or so! Tundra and trumpeter swans also love to gather at Goose Pond Sanctuary in late March as the ice begins to melt, and they’ll often stay through early April.
Happy birding, everyone!
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Caitlyn is the Communications and Outreach Assistant at Madison Audubon. She’s crazy for birds because they changed her life. She’ll be back next Monday with some tips and tools for birders, new and experienced! Between now and then, she’d love to hear about the birds you’re seeing and hearing. Leave a comment below or email to drop her a line!
