Tundra Swans and memories are on my mind this morning. Six years ago, I sat in my Jeep watching hundreds of Tundra Swans at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I drove up there to find the peace I almost always find at the refuge.
Immature and adult Tundra Swans flying over the wetlands at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The calls of the swans were music to my ears. Seeing the swans lifting off, resting, preening, and interacting with each other was a visual delight.
I had another “call” that morning six years ago as I watched these swans. I talked to my mom, and as usual, I wished her a “happy birthing day” before she could utter a word on the phone. It was something I did every year for so long that I don’t recall when I started doing it.
I will miss that call today and hearing her voice. I already do. Mom loved hearing the swans calling while we talked.
Back to the Tundra Swans
I feel very connected to these large, snow-white swans. When they are in Utah, I adore seeing them in large flocks on the wing or in smaller groups in the wetlands and marshes. They, along with Sandhill Cranes, touch something deep inside of me that reminds me that I’m as much a part of nature as they are.
When I took the photo above, there weren’t as many phrags in the way of taking photos of birds next to the auto tour loop at the refuge, so I had clear views of the Tundra Swans. Today in the same location, the phrags block my view of the water there and the swans? They don’t hang around there much anymore.
Tundra Swans and Mallards on an ice shelf – Nikon D500, f8, 1/5000, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
So far this winter, the photo above of Tundra Swans and Mallards on ice is my best photo of the swans this year. The swans like to rest on the ice, and it has been such a warm winter that the ice shelves that exist this season are a long way from the auto tour loop.
Maybe I will be able to take better photos of the Tundra Swans before they head north to breed; maybe I won’t.
Regardless, I’ll always cherish the memories of the swans and the phone call with my mom from six years ago.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Tundra Swan photos plus facts and information about this species.
Happy Birthday, I hope you can have a lovely day despite the weather. The swans are a good bird to feel connected too, they have many desirable traits, I wish more humans had. I miss hearing them nearby this year. I was hoping they would come in closer as hunting ended. There have been many at FB but none very close and those are very flighty.
Mia have a wonderful Birthday today. I know it is hard when we no longer have our loved ones around to visit with. Those Swans are always nice to see.
Happy Birthday my friend!
Thank you, Creek!