Waterfowl

Trumpeter swan

Cygnus buccinator

North America's largest waterfowl winters by the thousands in the farm fields of the Skagit and Nooksack valleys, often alongside tundra swans.

Seasonality

Peaks in January, February, December. Winter visitor from November to March; most numerous in December and January.

Grazes in corn stubble and pasture by day, then flies to lakes and rivers to roost.
Families stay together through winter, with gray cygnets traveling beside white adults.
Evening flights to the roost are a predictable spectacle at dusk.

Low morning light gives white plumage warmth and texture.
Look for family groups and head-bobbing greetings for storytelling frames.
Frame birds in flight against dark hills or conifers so the white wings stand out.