1500 Hundred Swans and a Goose or Two!!

My week began by learning something new about Canada Geese. The Geese were making a cacophony of sounds as they began the process of defending their territory around the edges of Lake Chipican.  One particular goose decided to confront me (although I was on the trail and he was in the water.)  I snapped some photos of his head and when I looked at the photos on the computer, I could see serrated edges on both sides of the tongue.  A quick google search informed me that the serrated tongue assists in draining water from the mouth when feeding under water.  Its cool to learn something new! (If you click on the photo to enlarge it, hopefully you can see the serrated edge.)

This morning we went in search of Ducks along the Suncor Trail. The trail was extremely quiet, but we found 1500 Tundra Swans once we crossed the bridge to Wawanosh Wetlands!  We walked to the look out tower and despite the phragmites, were able to see many of the birds.

There was continual movement of the swans.

We believe they spent the night at Wawanosh 

now that the water is open and mostly free of ice.

This pair of birds appeared to be having an argument 

as the back bird kept biting the wing of the one in front.

Sometimes Canada Geese would take flight with the swans.

Most of the swans were heading east as they left the wetlands, perhaps on their way to the onion fields in North Lambton where they rest during their northward migration.

It was a joy to listen to them call as they flew overhead!

A great way to start the weekend!