More Trash

A Mute Swan was found at the Glenmore Reservoir on March 30 with the large flocks of Trumpeter and Tundra Swans staging at the reservoir. Provenance, as with most extralimital waterfowl, will determine if this species is added to the provincial checklist by the Alberta Bird Record Committee. While likely an escapee, there is always a chance the bird is a wanderer from feral populations established on Vancouver Island or the Great Lakes. Regardless of origin, this species is a noxious pest in North America and hopefully, unlike European Starlings and House Sparrows, does not become established in Alberta. While beautiful, Mute Swans can be very aggressive towards native waterfowl and even people; leading to their systematic removal from some areas.

After swapping out my winter tires with the faster (and quieter) summer version this morning, I decided to cycle over to the reservoir to see the Mute Swan and other returning waterfowl. Arriving at the Glenmore Sailing Club mid-morning, I set up my tripod and scope on the escarpment overlooking the reservoir. Ice still covers much of the reservoir, with open water limited to leads along the shore. Trumpeter Swans called constantly from below and male Common Goldeneye performed their head bobbing display in an attempt to woo the females. Five Greater Scaup slept on the water, only occasionally waking to preen or stretch their wings. Scoping the north shore, I spotted the Mute Swan standing on the ice. No bands were observed on the legs, but I could not be absolutely certain. As Environment Canada forecasted, Chinook winds were now starting to build and I chose to head home before conditions became too blustery.