Skagit Valley Trumpeter Swans 2024

Winter brings cold and cloudy damp days in the Pacific Northwest. It sometimes takes a bit of effort to grab the camera and head outdoors in search of Photography subjects. Skagit Valley is famous for the large flocks of these large swans as they stop along the valley's fields on their yearly migration. As one of the largest swans, they have a wingspan of around 84-100 inches and weigh around 21-30 pounds. These visitors rest up in the many farmlands of Western Washington during migration and eventually nest up in Alaska. The Trumpeter Swan has an all-black bill that reaches its eye. Also, when they take off, they will at times create a 'S' neck for their first wing beats to help takeoff.