Hi Tweeters - Happy New Year!

Well I didn't venture far enough to see a Snowy Owl today - but did see some beautiful Trumpeter Swans at Bob Heirman Park on Shadow Pond. They were coming into roost about 4pm - first a family of 6 (4 juveniles) then about twenty more. Took some photos but since I haven't taken Paul Bannick's class yet - they leave a lot to be desired. My friend and I did notice one of the swans with a red "ring" around it's neck (I did capture that albeit poorly in one photo). Don't think this would be a tag. Any idea what it could be? Anyway, nice bird to start the New Year. Also saw one raptor which I hesitate to id here. (Is there only one w/ a white rump - don't have my book handy).

Couldn't see much on the river which was moving quite swiftly - crows and seagulls sp. There were other diving ducks that were too far off w/out a scope.

Also saw a couple of Ring-necked Ducks, a few Shovelers, and American Wigeons on the pond to the right. One blackish bird in the grassesthat I couldn't identify - bigger than a sparrow, but tail flicking action. No obvious markings. A Bewick's Wren, a couple of Golden Crowned Kinglets.

I'm hoping to head north next week to look for a Snowy Owl.