Tundra Swans in the marshes of Bear River MBR at dawn – Nikon D810, f10, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 32mm, natural light
Two days ago I saw Tundra Swans in flight over Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge but wasn’t able to take high quality images of them which was very disappointing since I’ve been looking forward to seeing, hearing and photographing them for some time. One year ago today I spent the morning focusing on and photographing the Tundra Swans and wetlands of Bear River MBR and I have to say that those birds and the marshes bring me such joy that I feel like I have to share them over and over.
Seeing the Tundra Swans in my images can’t convey the sound of them but this year I hope to record those calls myself so that I can share the beauty and wonder of the calls of hundreds, even thousands of these large, graceful swans even if I have to spend the entire day at the refuge to capture the sounds, until then please have a listen here.
This photo shows lots of the Tundra Swans in the marshes of the refuge, the wetlands beyond and the Promontory Mountains in the distance not too long after dawn. The marshes and wetlands at the refuge are an oasis in the desert that need our protection today and always.
Six Tundra Swans in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last year on this day there were clouds that interfered with the light at times while at other moments the light was divine and lit the Tundra Swans up beautifully. Some of the swans were taking off for fields to feed in for the day and some were just arriving at the marshes. The sounds of these birds is music to my ears.
Adult and immature Tundra Swan in flight over Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the swans flew in close I did my best to lock focus on them and tried to get more than one bird in flight where all the swans were sharply in focus, I failed more than I succeeded but when I succeeded I felt like whooping along with the swans.
Tundra Swans just before taking flight from the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were times when the light was so perfect that not only did the swans glow the water also seemed to have a wonderful pearl-like translucence to it. Granted that light didn’t last long before clouds came in and blocked the sun but for those few seconds I felt grateful for that gorgeous light. Being a bird photographer has its highs and lows along with varying light.
Tundra Swan calling while flying past the Promontory Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two days ago I noted how different the marshes look at the refuge this year than it did last winter because of the prescribed burns of the invasive phragmites last fall and how that could change where the swans congregate this year but I know burning the phrags will be good for the marshes and wetlands in the long run which in turn will be good for the birds and wildlife that visit or live on the refuge year round.
Tundra Swan in flight with shades of blue – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Today I won’t be visiting the refuge because it is raining, the wind is blowing and even though it is still dark I know there are thick clouds overhead but I am anxious to get back up to the refuge again to watch, listen to and focus on the Tundra Swans that stop over at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge again.
Life is good. Birds make it even better.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Tundra Swan photos plus facts and information about this species.
Indescribably beautiful pics of the swans. And, I absolutely love your landscape shot of the Bear River marshes. Thanks Mia.
Such a haunting lovely call. And bird.
Ok you official made me restless today! I have gone out looking for the swans at both FBWMA and BRMBR for several days and weekends to no avail. The birds were there but far away. I did walk out on the dikes in Farmington to see the swans when they were to the south by the dump, but as I got close they became restless so I stopped and sat listening to the song. I love the song it is one of my most anticipated migratory sounds. I have wanted to capture some of the birds sounds to put with my photos so this year I purchased a microphone for my Cannon in hopes of doing so. You are free to get out more than I am, maybe if you are not object to, you can pm me if you are out and are able to hear the swans. I would probably drop everything and head out!
The older I get the more I miss them. Maybe I can sign up as a volunteer to study them when I retire.
Beautiful images!