Trumpeter Swan with neck collar?

[Bill]

Hi,

I was at Cheam Wetlands today and saw this swan. Is the red band a tracking collar?

[Gord]

Hi Bill! I saw that bird as well and have reported it to the CWS (Canadian Wildlife Service). When (if) I find anything out (where it was collared etc) Ill share the info.

The collar isnt a telemetry device although they have done so with the species for study. Im not sure if they are doing it now, but in recent years one could see a CWS truck with a big radio antenna driving around agriculture fields looking for their birds.

For more info.

www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/nwrc-cnrf/default.asp?lang=En&n=725379F9-1

[Bill]

Thanks for the info, Gord. I could not read any numbers on the collar. Looking forward to the response from CWS.

I was hoping to see my first swallows of the year but I think the Wetlands are a little cold yet for them. I have noticed flying bugs by my house so it should be soon ;D

[Gord]

Hi Bill and everyone

I received information on the swan with a collar at Cheam Lake.

It is a female and was banded in December of 2001. At the time of banding, she was an adult which means she was born prior to 2000 as she has completed at least one adult moult. She is at least eight years old and will be at least nine this summer!

The location she was banded was Nooksack, Washington by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.