Sept. 3, 2017 - Trumpeter Swans

When we arrived at our lake home this week, it was already dark. About 11:00 P.M., we heard a loud honking sound coming from the lake. I quickly realized it was Trumpeter Swans calling. I was hoping they would stay around so I could photograph them. The next morning, I went down to the lake and saw these two swans serenely swimming toward our dock.

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Bird feathers need constant attention. The swans seemed in no hurry to move on and this one began preening its feathers. Preening means a bird pulls each individual feather between its bill to straighten and clean the feather.

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These are big birds and it’s fortunate that they have long necks so they can reach all parts of their bodies.

SwanTrumpeterpreeningDunningLakeItascaCounty20170831

It also helps to be flexible enough to reach around and preen even the back of the neck.

SwanTrumpeterpreeningDunningLakeItascaCounty20170831

After preening for a while, it’s time to stretch the wings. First, bring them back …

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Then forward.

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Later that afternoon, the swans flew away, presumably to visit another lake. There are about 1000 lakes in Itasca County so they have plenty to choose from.

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