I'm a wildlife biologist for WDFW, La Conner District Office. We have received several reports of the swan with a broken wing in the Stackpole Rd area in Skagit County and I am responding with what we know about this bird.

First, I want to thank the birding community for being vigilant and reporting their observations. We have observed this swan on several occasions (last April, September, and last week) and according to locals it has been in the area for about 2 years. They affectionately refer to her (or him) as "Lady".

The bird is now a resident, having spent last summer here. Although the swan cannot fly, "Lady" is quite mobile and appears to be using Carpenter Creek as a way to get from one place to another. It has been seen as far north as the wetlands east of Stackpole Rd and as far south as Bulson Rd near Conway.

Because the swan appears to be doing well and is making a living in spite of its injury, we have opted to leave it alone. Again, we do appreciate these reports. We have set up a hotline for reporting sick, injured, or dead swans in Whatcom and Skagit counties. The number is (360) 466-4345 ext. 266.

Thank you,
Jennifer Bohannon
Wildlife Biologist, WDFW