As of this writing (last week of February) with ice covering our lakes, the last thing I would have thought about was seeing swans in the Northwoods. But a good friend saw and photographed (THANKS MIKE) two swans in open water on the farthest southeast corner of the Cisco Chain on February 22nd. These two swans (picture inserted) were located on the only open water that I have seen in the last month, being spring creek.

The three common swans that can be seen in Wisconsin are TRUMPERTER, TUNDRA and MUTE swans. As far as the two seen on spring creek, from the photo I couldn’t tell you which swan they were because it’s possible to see all three during the winter. If I had to guess, I would say they are either TRUMPETERS or TUNDRA swans, because MUTE swans have orange bills and most are non-migraters.

Both trumpeters and tundra swans migrate north through Wisconsin during the end of February and March to their summer homes, but their winter location is based on breeding grounds. TRUMPETER swans migrate from warmer climates in southern states or near the Great Lakes to Canada or Alaska. TUNDRA swans migrate from either the Pacific or Atlanta coasts to the arctic tundra (hence their name).

This migration period is influenced by mother nature for open water for resting and food source. Both of these swans will arrive at their destination between late March into early May.

As for MUTE swans, as I mentioned above, this species of swans is classified as a non-migratory and once they established breeding territories and become permanent residents in that location. Mute swans are considered common in southern states but are prevalent in
New York and New Jersey. As for year-round residents of Wisconsin, unless they are forced to relocate due to iced over lakes there is large population of mute swans mated pairs near and around the western part of the great lakes. That relocation could be only a short distance to access open water.

Even though it was a surprise to see those two swans on the only open water the Cisco Chain has now, hopefully that could be a sign that
spring will be here soon. YES, I ‘VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE SNOW AND COLD WEATHER.

It should be noted that ALL SWANS ARE PROTECTED IN WISCONSIN AND IT IS ILLEGAL TO HUNT.