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