Swans return to the Crowe

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Judy Backus

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A large group of trumpeter swans numbering 19, along with several species of ducks, have chosen Crowe River as their wintering area. Residents make sure the birds have ample food, and delight in watching their antics.

Lynn Gapes

A large group of trumpeter swans numbering 19, along with several species of ducks, have chosen Crowe River as their wintering area. Residents make sure the birds have ample food, and delight in watching their antics.

EMC News -Marmora -Once again Crowe River is the winter home to a group of 19 swans which can, on occasion, be heard trumpeting overhead. The magnificent bird have become regular visitors along the river where they are well received by the residents who feed them corn.

Lynn Gapes has enjoyed the birds' antics and says of the flock, "The family of seven keep all the others away from the feeding box when they are around ... they form a phalanx and bully the others."

As well as the swans, Gapes has spotted a wood duck, mallards, and on one afternoon, a ring-necked duck, but as she said, "He was too skittish and flew off before I could capture him on film." Gapes also said that a pair of American black ducks were on the scene as well.

She sums up the season to date saying, "This year there have been many more trumpeter swans than any year in the last seven or eight taking up winter residence on the Crowe River. The highest number I have been able to count at once is 19. The first family to arrive is the one I believe has been here every yearthis year with five immatures and two adults. These are the ones most likely to eat from your hand and/or eat from the feeders. They are also the most aggressive ones, actually forming a phalanx to go after any other swans that appear. Sharing is not a word that is in a trumpeter swan's vocabulary! This winter has been most entertaining as there have been many skirmishes among the different groups. Chasing each other, trumpeting at each other (even at those who might be flying overhead) with much head bobbing leading up to the assaults. This character trait is in all of the swans. None will let any others, who are not in their family group, near the feeding trays, even if they are not eating. A perfect example of "dog in the manger"! I have even tried throwing corn onto the ice near the river bank for those chased away. The result is that the ones at the trays will leave and chase them away. When this is done on the ice, it is most amusing to watch these largest of North American waterfowl run and slide to a stop.

"Since the river has never had too much ice, there are many mallard ducks accompanying the swans. They arrive soon after their big 'cousins' arrive but get chased around a lot. There has been a pair of American black ducks, one wood duck and one ring-necked duck, as well. This is very, very unusual at this time of year as the latter two are diving ducks which would normally not be able to do so this far north in the winter.

"What a pleasure to have all this activity at my dock! I feel very privileged to be able to help this formerly endangered species survive a Canadian winter."