Bob Norton wrote:

>Finally, it is my impression that in SW WA the majority of
>swans (90%) are Tundra and in the Vancouver, BC area the
>proportion is reversed (i.e. in favour of Trumpeter). I am
>sure someone can be more definite on that subject.

I'll allow others to speak for the Vancouver area, but for southwestern
Vancouver Island, such is the case. We have rated Tundra Swan as
"Rare for This Area". A sighting of one among a group of Trumpeters
is worth a call to our local Rare Bird Alert. Occasionally, a small
family
group of Tundras will stop over for a few days, including during the
northward migration, but it is a species that can be missed here, even
on a keen birder's year list. On the other hand, Trumpeters
abound....500 or more currently in the Chemainus/Yellow
Point/Duncan area, that many or more in the Courtenay/Comox
area and 100 plus on the Saanich Peninsula adjacent to Victoria.

Bryan Gates, Victoria brgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca