Kip’s Comments - March 5, 2026

Uncertainty

Today an alert motorist noticed this young trumpeter swan sitting on snow in a ditch in a rural area of the county. That person notified a county conservation staff member who called me to ask for assistance for the bird. Together we quickly had the swan captured and headed for Terese at Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project. Once there a test for avian influenza was performed with a negative result. Sadly, the young swan’s posture suggests a spinal injury. The bird was found in the opposite ditch from power lines. The injury is a serious injury for this bird.

Injured Trumpeter Swan - Image 1068465

There may be short term good news for this swan. As we were attempting to capture it, the swan demonstrated its defenses when it whacked me with one of its wings. Whether I bruise or not won’t be known until maybe tomorrow. Trust me when I say this bird has plenty of strength in that 6’- 10’ wingspan! Time will tell for this swan.

Injured Trumpeter Swan - Image 1068482

For something different… I thought these sandhill crane tracks in the snow were interesting. Many years ago the DNR asked if I had any photos of sandhill crane tracks - presumably in mud, and I did not. When I found these tracks in the snow, I recorded them.

Sandhill Crane Tracks in Snow - Image 1068266

Finally, it has been a few days since I included a mammal image in my post and ages since I photographed a muskrat. So, here is a muskrat on ice with an interesting facial expression.

Muskrat on Ice - Image 1068026