Hello birders,
It is the season for the swans to arrive and winter in Washington. This
is a request to anyone who birds in Western Washington: If you see a swan
(trumpeter or tundra) wearing a neck band PLEASE take the time to read the
collar numbers. Note the collar color (red, yellow, green, brown -
trumpeter swan or black -tundra swan ). There should be a 3 digit
alpha/numeric code read from the body up: i.e. 5F3 or F21. There may be
some bands that have a large number horizontally and then 2 or 3 vertically
on the collar. These are read with the large number first, then the smaller
vertical number/letters. If in doubt, draw a picture of the layout you see.
I can figure it out with that.
Please let me know immediately of any collars any where. The main
focus area is Whatcom County, but we know the red and green collars have
been seen in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Jefferson and Clallum
counties last year.

We are especially interested in anyone who goes birding in western and
southern portions of Whatcom County - west of the Guide Meridian Road and
north of Bellingham (Nooksack River/Lummi areas). If you see a collar in
this area please contact me by phone ASAP 206-713-3684.

If you find a sick or dead swan also please contact us immediately at
206-713-3684 or 425-787-0258

Thanks for your assistance in helping us find the source of lead shot to put
an end to the deaths of swans.

Martha Jordan
www.swansociety.org