Long distance view of Tundra Swans in flight with an immature Bald Eagle, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahLong distance view of Tundra Swans in flight with an immature Bald Eagle – Nikon D810, f11, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 18-200mm at 200mm, natural light

This morning I noticed in my Facebook memories that I saw and heard my first of season Tundra Swans at Bear River MBR on this date in 2015 and that made me happy. On my next trip to Bear River MBR, Farmington Bay WMA, or on the road any where to the north of where I live I could see Tundra Swans flying in the sky again. I also love listening to large flocks of Tundra Swans calling any time of the day and I have missed hearing them deeply. Their calls touch something deep inside of me and they remind me that I am part of nature.

The photo above shows a long distance view of Tundra Swans in flight although they might be hard to see. There is a small group of Tundra Swans near the center of this photo just above the phragmites and a second group near the right side of the frame a little higher than the first group with two additional swans below those. Flying higher than the swans there is an immature Bald Eagle in front of the clouds above the mountains. There are times that I never see the swans any closer than this photo shows but even then I can feel my pulse quicken.

Tundra Swans feeding in wetlands at Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, UtahTundra Swans feeding in wetlands at Bear River MBR – Nikon D810, f11, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 18-200mm at 200mm, natural light

When I can I like to pick up my backup camera and take photos of the Tundra Swans that show wide views of them in their wetland habitat. These are views I often see when the Tundra Swans are here in northern Utah and I treasure them. What isn’t to like about a view like this?

Six adult Tundra Swans on the wing, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahSix adult Tundra Swans on the wing – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yet I also enjoy using my longer lens to photograph groups of swans on the wing over the wetlands and marshes that I find the swans in while they are in my neck of the woods. These large, white swans look beautiful against clear blue skies or against dark and stormy clouds.

Two adult Tundra Swans flying over wetlands, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahTwo adult Tundra Swans flying over wetlands – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Photographing just one or two Tundra Swans up close is equally delightful to me and when I can I will take hundreds of photos of the swans lifting off or landing from the open water of the marshes.

Because of clouds, wind, and rainy weather in the forecast it is going to be a few days before I get out into the field but I am hoping that I will see or hear some Tundra Swans when I head out again.

Life is good.

Mia

These Tundra Swan photos were taken in 2018.

Click here to view more of my Tundra Swans photos plus facts and information about this species.