Morning on the River - Trumpeter Swans

Trumpeter swans are among the largest and strongest of the waterfowl. They once had a large range in the wild areas of North America, but their numbers became so reduced that they were considered to be an endangered species. The comeback of the trumpeters is one of the good news stories of conservation efforts. They are relatively easy to breed in captivity and have been reintroduced to areas of their old haunts where they will not be molested.

It is appropriate that Yellowstone Park is one of these areas. It was 'discovered' by Theodore Roosevelt, that great conservationist, and, of course, was set aside by him as the first U.S. national park.* The trumpeters are now well established there as year-round residents. The hot springs feeding into the rivers keep the waters open all winter when elsewhere the landscape is in a deep freeze.

In this picture I have shown a pair of these wonderful birds in the early morning. The warmer water is giving off vapour which has turned to mist in the cold, winter air.
* was established earlier