Pair of collared Tundra Swans
Last week I posted some Tundra Swan images and mentioned that two of the swans I spotted had markers on their necks, these are those swans flying together over the marsh. Their markers are U974 and U961 and I reported that information to the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Bird Banding Laboratory and two days ago I received information about these two Tundra Swans.
They were both banded and had neck collars placed on them on July 28, 2010 at the Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska as adult birds. Right now they are at least 7 years old.
What I find intriguing (and touching) is that these two pens (females) were banded on the same day and the same location and when I refound them they were in flight together in the same location at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
This is a screen shot composite of both Certificate of Appreciation for reporting the banded swans. I’m not sure why the certificates say “Whistling Swans” instead of Tundra Swans but Whistling is the old name for this swan species.
I guess these two Tundra Swans have heard that “birds of a feather flock together”. Nearly 5 years later!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Tundra Swan photos plus facts and information about this species.
Hi! also great Certificates! You earn them and many more for all your input about everything and all.
Hi! wonderful catch of banded birds! They are beautiful! Maybe they know they are sisters? I am so proud of you and all you do for wildlife and our Earth! You make my heart almost bust with pride you belong to it!
Very cool Mia! That’s great information to know they are stilling hanging together during migration.
Interesting post. Too bad the banding can’t be the metal bands we see on the legs of pigeons.
How lovely that they are still together after all the intervening years. And yes, I am with Patty. Those bands might add to our knowledge, but they are NOT a good look.
I wonder if they’re sisters.
Great.
Ugly!!! I know why this is done and still HATE to see it!