Bay Photos by Donna

I actually brake for a lot of birds 😏 and yes, most definitely for Tundra Swans!

In my to/fro travels across farm land regions, I am always on the look-out for them.

Tundra Swan, Canada Geese, Ruddy Ducks, American Black Ducks, Northern Pintails, and a Mallard

These huge, elegant birds are a real treat to see around the Chesapeake Bay region when they come to winter from their Arctic breeding grounds.

Parents and a youngster

Their size:
Length:  47.2-57.9 inches (120-147 cm)
Weight:  8-23 lbs (3800-10500 g)
Wingspan:  5.5 ft (168 cm)

Tundra Swans form permanent pair bonds by the time they are 2-3 years old and remain together year-round for life.

Pure white clean in all that mud!

Last week at sunrise, I lucked again with a large flock surrounding a farm pond where they probably spent the night.

Tundra Swans on a farm pond littered with swan feathers from preening all night

A tiny female Bufflehead is in the far right top corner of the pond, staying safe in with these big protectors!

The sun started breaking through the light fog as I started to leave so I shot a couple more to see the scene lighten up.

The grayish/darker swans are the immatures born during last year’s breeding season.  They travel with their parents during migration and will return with them back to the Arctic tundra.

In just a few weeks, these beauties will be leaving us to head back home.

I will definitely miss them when they go!