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What You Can Do To Provide Safer Habitat for Migratory Waterfowl, Especially Swans

Our native Trumpeter and Tundra Swans are beautiful birds, and people want to see them as closely as possible. When you approach too closely, the birds become alarmed and may take flight, thus disturbing their normal routine and leaving them more vulnerable to disease from stress or collisions with power lines. By following the suggestions below for observing or photographing these magnificent birds, you can avoid causing distress or harm to them.

TO OBSERVE SWANS:

• Observe from a distance as you see them in fields or on water. STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE!
• Move slowly, stop and maintain quiet.
• Use binoculars and spotting scopes to see more closely.

TO PHOTOGRAPH:

• Again, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE. DO NOT APPROACH!
• Use telephoto lens for close up shots!
• Camera window mounts are available to put on your vehicle.
• DO NOT FLUSH BIRDS in order to photograph flying scenes.

TO ASSURE SWANS ARE NOT ILLEGALLY SHOT:

If one sees or hears of shooting at swans, IMMEDIATELY call the STATE PATROL at 1-800-283-7807, or in Skagit County call 757-1175.

OTHER:

• Be mindful when using chemicals (oil, gas, antifreeze, lawn fertilizers etc.), and where they will drain to. Read directions carefully
• Fishing line and tackle are fatal to swans. Please pick up and dispose of it safely, wherever and whenever you see it.
• Respect the rights of private landowners.
• When you stop your vehicle, be sure you park in a safe spot and are not causing a hazard to yourself or others.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:

• The migratory season is from October through March. The largest concentrations of wintering Trumpeter Swans in the lower 48 states are found in the Skagit Valley. Both Tundra and Trumpeter Swans occur here. The swan population is approximately 3100 in Skagit County, 1800 in Whatcom County, 70 in the San Juan Islands and less than 400 in Snohomish County.
• The swan populations in Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish Counties are heavily dependent on agricultural lands. They feed on after-harvest crops of potatoes, carrots and corn. They also use the grain in fields planted by the Barley for Birds program. The swans visit cover crops that are planted for soil enhancement, and pasture grasses are also used for food.
• In the '98 - 99' season, 24 swans were rescued and 16 were suffering from lead poisoning. Some were either dead or euthanized due to extensive internal damage from lead and fishing line and tackle. Two were illegally shot.
• If you see a swan in distress or in the same place for 24 hours by itself, call Pilchuck Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (360) 387-8299. DO NOT ATTEMPT RESCUING ON YOUR OWN. The swans can harm you, or you can cause them further injury and stress.
• DISTURBING OR FLUSHING swans and geese can lead to increased deaths from stress induced disease. They need to feed and rest to prepare for the migratory journey home and their next breeding season

For additional information on swans please contact the:
Washington Swan Working Group
916 164th Street SE
MBO 272
Mill Creek, WA 98012

swaninfo@swansociety.org