Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Video Documents Trumpeter Swan Concentration in Idaho

Trumpeter Swans are impressive in small groups, but to experience them in the hundreds, and thousands, at the Deer Parks Unit in Idaho is a rare opportunity.

More than 2,500 Trumpeter Swans have assembled along with thousands of ducks and other birds at Deer Parks Wildlife Mitigation Unit in southeast Idaho, not far west of Yellowstone National Park. Now, you can view an exciting video of the Trumpeter Swans and hear the inspiring sounds of this impressive concentration of waterfowl. During recent decades Trumpeter Swans wintering in southeast Idaho have shifted their feeding habits to include feeding in agricultural fields adjacent to rivers, which has resulted in significant growth in the Rocky Mountain population.

Each day, the swans and thousands of waterfowl can be seen flying in and out of the grain fields that have been planted for them by staff of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Trumpeter Swans typically spend the winter feeding on aquatic vegetation in streams and rivers, but their switch to agricultural foods provides added proteins that will play a crucial role in successful egg production as the nesting season progresses.

The concentration of Trumpeter Swans and other waterfowl can be viewed on site from several parking areas north of the town of Menan along Twin Butte Road. All access to Deer Parks is walk-in only, and visitors should view the waterfowl from a distance without disturbing the birds. Spring migration will begin soon, so come see the birds before they leave, and bring your binoculars and camera.


If you can’t make it to Deer Parks, you can observe and listen to the Trumpeter Swans and other waterfowl on a video provided by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at https://idfg.idaho.gov/blog/2019/02/video-see-huge-flock-swans-and-other-waterfowl-wintering-deer-parks