A tundra swan "gathering" took place at Broadford Recreation Area this week, and was observed, photographed, and reported by local bird expert Fran Pope. She said the flock is migrating, and opted to take a rest on the local lake Tuesday morning. What started as a group of about 13 birds in the morning grew steadily, Pope said, until more than 200 birds had landed on the lake, with migrating flocks of 30 to 40 birds joining at intervals.
"Immediately after landing, most of the new birds tucked their heads under a wing and rested," Pope said. Of the more than 200 birds on the lake Tuesday evening, she counted 15 juveniles, such as the darker one pictured above with probably a parent.
"These swans migrate in family groups," Pope said. "It's amazing to consider that the young hatched just this year, probably in late June to early July, and could fly in 60 to 70 days. Now they're making their first fall migration from the breeding grounds on arctic wetlands to estuaries along the East and West coasts. The young will remain with their parents until arrival back on the breeding grounds next year," she said.
On another morning this week, Pope counted about 240 of the birds on Broadford, "many vocalizing, while others preened and, perhaps, readied to continue their journey."