I had hoped that this morning would be sunny so I could head to Bear River MBR to see, listen to, and photograph Tundra Swans on the marshes. Clouds and gray weather are preventing me from heading up that way.

Adult and immature Tundra Swans in morning flight, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahAdult and immature Tundra Swans in morning flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 640, EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I took both of the photos I am sharing this morning five years ago today when it was bright, sunny, and very cold. You might think it is strange but I actually didn’t feel the cold though because I was so immersed in the beauty of hundreds of Tundra Swans and the wetlands in my view. The sounds of the swans calling as they lifted off from the marsh was music to my ears.

The calls of these swans touches something deep inside of me that makes me feel even more connected to them and to all of nature.

Adult Tundra Swan in an azure sky, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahAdult Tundra Swan in an azure sky – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When I was up at Bear River MBR a few days ago I didn’t see or hear any swans. On that date there was very little open water because of we’d had more than a week of very cold weather. The overnight low temps were in the single digits and a few were below 0°F.

After a few warmer nights and days I had hoped to head to the refuge today to find open water and swans.

I’m going to have to wait to see and hear these large, beautiful white birds resting on the marsh and taking to the air. It is a good thing that I am a patient woman.

Life is good.

Mia

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