Re: Trumpeter Swans at Conowingo
PObrien776@aol.com
Mon, 25 Jan 1999 13:52:17 EST
Rick,
I don't know about the "countability" of the Trumpeter Swans. I think ABA has
some fairly strict guidlines having to do with stable and growing populations
and acceptance by the local records committee (now there's a problem) before
one should count a bird. But documentation is essential if we are ever to
establish a pattern of winter (or other season) visitations regardless of the
origin of the birds. I know that the Minnesota restoration project was in
full swing two decades ago. If that population has stabilized and grown on
its own, they could be candidates for eventual counting. I don't know about
other populations around the Great Lakes. I guess Ontario is the only other
project I have heard of, and I have no idea how long that one has been under
way.
We ( Dave Czaplak, et al.) had an unbanded Trumpeter Swan at Black Hill a few
years back, but we didn't know what to do with it except file it for future
reference. I think there was one on West Ocean City pond once also, and there
may be others. It would be useful to compile these sightings for the record.
Michael and Louise's e-mail address has not changed, but the server has them
up and running again.
Oh, go ahead, do more Christmas counts. Lightning can strike again.
Paul
pobrien776@aol.com