Trumpeter Swan Rescue

Sep 6, 2011 | Birding, Raptor Center

In late June I was asked to join a crew of volunteers to help rescue a Trumpeter Swan. Neighbors in a Elk River, MN neighborhood had watched a swan during the late spring and early summer and had determined that he was injured and unable to leave their large backyard pond. 

Mark Wicklund (swan whisperer of Wisconsin) was called in for her knowledge and the fact that she owns multiple kayaks.  8 volunteers were assembled and the chase began. After paddling around the pond for over an hour, I was finally able to get along side the tiring swan and learned that a gentle touch on their head will stop them dead in the water.  With some help from birding buddy Linda Whyte, we were able to get the bird into my kayak and paddle towards shore.

Here are some images from our great adventure.

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Vadnais Heights, MN 55127