The grace of distant Trumpeter Swans

We were treated to several beautiful, graceful Trumpeter Swans flying over the Glenmore Reservoir yesterday morning. Several were also swimming in narrow, open stretches of water at the Reservoir. These birds were flying the far side of the Reservoir, so this is a greatly cropped photo! Quite amazing and impressive to hear their "trumpeting"!

"The Trumpeter Swan was hunted almost to extinction for its feathers and meat in the early 20th century. A breeding population survived west of Grande Prairie, Alberta, and families have been transplanted from there to other parts of this species's former range. It is hoped that populations will continue to recover. All Albertans should take pride in the conservation efforts that have allowed this species to recover." From Birds of Alberta by Fisher and Acorn.