Formerly called Whistling Swans, Tundra Swans are very rare on the Chico but five were present on 5 March, three adults (right) and two immature birds (left). Immature birds, ones entering their first summer are slightly smaller and have gray in their plumage. Tundra Swans nest in arctic Canada and Alaska near the coast and populations mostly winter on the east and west coasts of the U.S., rare in the interior. In 2010, two migrant birds were at the big headquarters pond too, but one day later in March. These are large birds with a body length 52 inches and with a wingspan of 83 inches and males weighing 16 pounds.
The Saddlehouse: November 2024
A monthly letter about what's happening behind the scenes at Ranchlands.
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