Trumpeter Swan (Contest Round 12: Big Bird)

For this week's contest I trawled through my photos to find some of the biggest birds that I've ever seen. Pelicans, swans, herons, storks...

I decided on this Trumpeter Swan I had the good fortune to catch up with here in Massachusetts. The Trumpeter Swan is a very rare vagrant in this state. During the early 20th Century it was hunted to near extinction in North America but over the last few decades its numbers have rebounded from 69 counted individuals to 30,000+ (The Cornell Lab). They remain susceptible to human encroachment, habitat loss, and lead poisoning.

Trumpeter1.jpg
This particular bird was alone and spending its time on a small parcel of agricultural land with some Canada Geese in a small pond before continuing its migration north/west. Here you can see how large it is compared to the common Canada Goose in the background.
trumpeter2.jpg

trumpeter3.jpg

trumpeter4.jpg

Here are its measurements (also taken from the All About Birds website):
relsize_cornell.PNG

Bonus: Kori Bustard

I have seen the heaviest flying bird (42lbs+) in the world, the Kori Bustard, but alas the photo is less than spectacular. I also didn't see it fly :)

kori_bustard.jpg

Thank you for reading.

CameraNikon D3200
LensSigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3
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I have never seen a Trumpeter Swan. Lucky you! Their comeback has been amazing. I hope it continues.
Thanks for including that Bustard. 42 pounds! Wow!

How different the swan is compared to its European relatives. Wonderful shots.
I must admit, first time seeing the Kori Bustard.

Hello @funferall!

Nice captures !
We appreciate your work and your post was manually curated by @barbara-orenya from the DNA team!

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