Birds of a Feather

Releasing the Trumpeter Swans

The three swans from last February report (see Swans, part 4) spent all of last summer happily paddling around the mill pond enjoying life much to the disappointment of those who released them, and hoped they would find their way north for the summer. The swans never left the valley except for a short stay on the War Eagle River near Eureka Springs. Obviously, they are like the rest of us who love the Ozarks! Humans had plans for them to meet up with their relatives somewhere up north, spend the summer mating, nesting, raising young, then find their way back to Boxley mill pond in December, bringing more with them. I guess no one told them the plan!

So, again this week, wildlife officials in Arkansas and Iowa brought more young swans, called cygnets, to be released at the pond. You can read more about this at the Arkansas Game and Fish website. It was interesting to watch as the swans quickly adapted to their new home on the mill pond. It was a magnificent sight as they flew low across the water and landed-- glad to be free again after traveling 10 hours in a small crate! Their joy was evident as they dipped and splashed and chattered to one another

As of last Monday, the original three swans had come back to Boxley after a brief visit to a pond at Parthenon and joined the newcomers. The flock of seven beautiful swans make a lovely sight on the mill pond. However, they should be leaving soon to fly north for the summer. Do they understand "reverse migration" which is the goal those wildlife officials have for them? .One can only wonder why they didn't bring along a few old veteran swans to lead the way back up there. I have aways adhered to the notion that children learn by example. But I am no swan expert!

You made him (man) ruler over the works of your hands:

You put everything under his feet:

all flock and herds...the birds of the air..

How magestic is your name in all the earth.

Psalm 8