Bay Photos by Donna

Tundra Swans breed during the summer on the northern Arctic tundra.  During the winter, they migrate to the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coastal regions and larger in-land lakes.

Our Chesapeake Bay region is fortunate to host a huge number of Tundra Swans, where they feed almost exclusively on clams that they dislodge from the mud.

Tundra Swans are usually congregated off in the distance, primarily on the water/ice where they also sleep.

Tundra Swans sleeping on ice at Blackwater NWR (January)

Several days ago outside Cambridge, we were fortunate to come upon a small bank of Tundra Swans foraging in a farm field not too far from the road.

Tundra Swans

Tundra Swans pair up and bond for life when they reach 2-3 years old and remain together year-round.

Tundra Swans

Tundra Swans

There were a few juveniles in the herd, these three were more off to the side.

Three Tundra Swan juveniles in the foreground

Their parents kept a watchful eye on them.

Tundra Swans parents and one of the juveniles

One more from Blackwater NWR a few weeks ago….

Tundra Swan at Blackwater NWR

Such an elegant bird!