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Subject:

Trumpeter Swans moved to retirement home?

From:

Paul Pisano

Reply-To:

Paul Pisano

Date:

Thu, 7 Oct 2010 20:08:39 -0700

This afternoon I was visiting family friends in Riderwood - the
retirement community in or near Calverton (I think the complex actually
straddles the Montgomery/Prince George's County Line).  In any case, as
I was driving out I glimpsed two swans feeding on one of the lawns near
the first set of ponds by the gated entrance (off Clover Patch Dr.).  I
first assumed they were Mutes, but when I drove around and was able to
see them completely, I immediately saw they were not Mutes, and were
either Tundras or Trumpeters.  Unfortunately I was not able to stop, so
I do not completely trust my id, but I believe they were Trumpeters. 
They had all black bills (no yellow, at least on the one I briefly
studied) and the black seemed to form a fairly broad point in front of
the eye.  The shape of the white feathering at the top of the bill
seemed to be "V" shaped.  I didn't see any bands or tags or rings, but
didn't scrutinize.  And they were big.  That's about all can tell you. 
I guess this isn't very far from other places were Trumpeters have been
seen in the state, but I don't recall seeing any reports from this
particular spot.  Has anyone else seen these birds?  I would appreciate
it if someone could follow-up to clear up the ID.  Unfortunately
Riderwood is a gated community, so I'm not sure how they would respond
to someone coming to look for birds.  I could look into if anyone tries
and has problems.

Good birding,
Paul Pisano
Arlington, VA