The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
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February 2021
Pacific Northwest
The results of this year’s swan count are in. This is a 7-county western Washington (+ a British Columbia field just across the border) project through WDFW where observers fan out to count every swan in the Salish Sea lowlands on a particular morning in January. San Juan County has participated for several years now.
These are the numbers I have for the past few years:
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SJC |
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W Wash |
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2021 |
81 |
(incl 16 juv=20%) |
17,811 |
(incl 1996 juv=11%) |
2020 |
99 |
(incl 4 juv=4%) |
17,681 |
(incl 1841 juv=10%) |
2019 |
145 |
(incl 18 juv-12%) |
17,365 |
(incl 1,869 juv=11%) |
2018 |
152 |
(incl 17 juv=11%) |
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2017 |
95 |
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.
Looking at the data, it appears the wintering swan population in the Salish Sea lowlands is steady, but the numbers in SJC have waxed and waned. For whatever reason, the swans are less interested in wintering out here in the islands in recent years. Either they like it here less or they like it more over there. Granted, our swan population is minuscule compared to the Skagit delta, where two thirds of Washington’s swans winter. But it’s noticeable for us.
It seems like about 11% of western Washington wintering swans are juveniles. Last winter in our county we had very few but this winter a big contingent! That’s hopeful for the future. On another island of SJC an observer got a photo that day of a pair of swans with 7 cygnets! That is extraordinary. Not only did many of the eggs hatch (Trumpeter swans lay 1-10 according to Cornell) but they survived to fledge and fly a couple thousand miles from the breeding grounds in northern Canada/Alaska.
Those couple of years of abundant local swans were amazing. I used to go by Otto’s marsh a lot during those years, on some occasions seeing as many as 60 swans. This year I’ve never seen more than 15, and lately, none. But swans are always spectacular to see, and hear tootling: one reason winter is a wonderful season, regardless of inclement weather and short days.
Overcast and breezy out of the south. 39°F this morning. The big snowfall has mostly melted away, patches still in shady areas.
🦢
What’s up in nature in your backyard?
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