Adult Tundra Swan on the wing – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’ve been thinking that I need to hop into my Jeep and head to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge to photograph the Tundra Swans before they head north to breed and nest. The last time that I was at the refuge I heard and saw the swans way off in the distance. They weren’t close enough to photograph but I loved hearing them calling while they flew over the frozen marsh.
I haven’t been close enough to the Tundra Swans to take high quality photos of them even once this winter.
These swans are among my favorite avian subjects because they are beautiful birds and listening to their calls soothes and relaxes me. Being out in the marshes with these swans is a joy.
The month of February has generally been a great month for me to find and photograph the Tundra Swans on the refuge. I have photographed them as late as the second week of April a few times.
Having Tundra Swans in my viewfinder is always a thrill especially when they are on the wing because of how graceful they are in flight. When I photographed this adult I was delighted with the layers of blue in the background, the soft light, and by how well the swan stood out from the sky.
Tundra Swans breed in the northern tundra of Canada and Alaska. I feel fortunate that these large, white birds spend time on the marshes surrounding the Great Salt Lake during the winter. They can be seen now at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Farmington Bay WMA, Salt Creek WMA, and on the wing in many areas of northern Utah.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Tundra Swan photos plus facts and information about this species.
Yet another beauty. Thank you.
They are one of my favorite birds too, I love their call. Unfortunately I still hear their terrified calls from the disastrous night they were hit by the strong storm front. I hope this memory will fade!
Oh April, that would haunt me too.
Always a beautiful bird to see and hear in flight.
Mia, your narrative was wonderful…..just what I needed to start my day! I hope to see these birds one day.
Something divine in experience of being with a large group of tundra swans with their cacaphonic chatter. Musical and soothing! I live near one of their stops in Ontario during their migration north. Once in a while they fly right over my house, sometimes visible in their Vs and sometimes above the clouds. So magical. Thanks for sharing your joy! K
Great photo!