Trumpeter Swan

A pair of these beautiful Trumpeter Swans lives in the aviary at the Calgary Zoo, along with the Great Gray Owls, two Snowy Owls and Barred Owls. Today, though, I noticed a new owl that I had never seen in there before. I think they have added a Long-eared Owl!

I have seen Trumpeter Swans in the wild here, but they are either flying high overhead or are too far away on a slough.

"The Trumpeter Swan was hunted almost to extinction for its feathers and meat in the early 20th century. Although their breeding numbers in Alberta are not up to pre-colonial levels, biologists are now growing concerned about overcrowding of Trumpeter Swans on their southern wintering areas. Their voice is a loud, resonant "bugle"." From Birds of Alberta by Fisher and Acorn.