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Waterfowl

Tundra swan

Cygnus columbianus

An Arctic-breeding swan that winters on the Skagit and Samish flats alongside the larger and more numerous trumpeter swans.

Seasonality

Peaks in January, December. Winter visitor from late October to March, outnumbered by trumpeter swans.

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Behavior

Feeds in flooded fields and on leftover crops, usually in mixed flocks with trumpeter swans.
Flies between feeding fields and roosting water in early morning and late afternoon.
Many show a small yellow spot in front of the eye, the easiest way to tell them from trumpeters.

Photography tips

Confirm tundra swans by the yellow spot and smaller, rounder head before you compose.
White birds against dark fields need negative exposure compensation to keep feather detail.

Field ethics

Swans flush in large groups; watch from roads and dikes and never walk into fields.
Report sick or dead swans to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; lead poisoning still affects wintering swans here.

Where to look

Lummi Flats & Red River RoadWhatcom County · Peaks in January, December
Ferndale Road FieldsWhatcom County · Peaks in January, December
South Fork Valley at SaxonWhatcom County · Peaks in January, December
Samish West 90Skagit County · Peaks in January, December