This wasn't our first trip to see the migrating Tundra Swans on the Mississippi River. We have gone several times in previous years in November. They start their journey from their summer breeding grounds in Western Alaska, Northern Yukon and Northwest Territories and fly diagonally across Canada and the United States to spend the Winter in the Chesapeake Bay area and the Atlantic Coast of Virginia and North Carolina. Tens of thousands of them stop off along the Mississippi River in Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa in November and maybe in to early December to rest and feed for a few days or weeks before they continue their flight.
One of the best viewing areas is about three miles South of Brownsville, MN. The sound of thousands of Tundra Swans is hard to describe, somewhat like honking geese, but very musical. While they are gregarious and rarely fly alone, they are also very territorial when they are feeding and will aggressively confront others.
Fun to watch and hear. [Click images to see larger]
One of the best viewing areas is about three miles South of Brownsville, MN. The sound of thousands of Tundra Swans is hard to describe, somewhat like honking geese, but very musical. While they are gregarious and rarely fly alone, they are also very territorial when they are feeding and will aggressively confront others.
Fun to watch and hear. [Click images to see larger]
See also previous Swan photos.
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