In response to Anna Coles regarding high water and swan distribution and the
sighting down in the Illwaco area.

The incresed wet or flooded areas has affected waterfowl distribution in western
Washington, including swans. While swans have been present in past years in the
Snohomish River Valley, this year the numbers have increased substantially.
Over the winter the numbers have varied between 50 and 175. Both trumpeter and
tundra have been present, with trumpeters the most abundant. Early in the
season the swans were mostly tundra, now they are primarily trumpeter.
The swans have been feeding in the waste corn fields and pasture
grassland areas. Some use the wetlands, ponds and sloughs for portions of the
day.
The swans at Illwaco have been observed in this area all winter. The
history of swans in this area is consistent, although the numbers may vary
greatly from year to year. However, the swans at Black Lake apparently have
decided to stay this most of this season. Trumpeters also can be found in
various lakes on the Long Beach Peninsula and the Bear River Unit of Willapa
NWR. The numbers are similar to past years, including the adult/juvenile ratio.

SWAN ID: a pamphlet on swan identification is availalbe from me by
sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
14112-1st Ave. W, Everett, WA 98208
It includes info on trumpeter, tundra and (yes) mutes.

If any of you out there have seen collared swans, please send me the info on
collar number, date, location to me personally.
Also, still wanting to know locations of mute swans you may see.

Martha Jordan
(206)787-0258