Trumpeter Swan

[Alan Melle]

It's been a long time since I posted any images so here is my first one for 2009. This adult Trumpeter Swan in flight was photographed a couple of weeks ago in Monticello, MN on the Mississippi River. The river remains open here because of a power plant upstream and the swans gather here in the open water. There is a very small park along the river where an individual licensed by the state provides feed to the swans and other waterfowl that gather here. She was licensed as part of the recovery effort for the swan population. The park provides a great location to photograph these magnificent birds during the winter.

Nikon D300, 200-400VR @ 340mm, manual exposure at ISO 400, 1/2500 @ f/6.3, full frame

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the gliding pose and underwing details and wish for a lower angle. Lightening the shadows might make it look even better.

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Alan, Oh my, this is a spectacular image. The flight pose could not be better. Flat wings work best when the bird is angling towards you as it is here. Lightening the underside shadows and increasing the density of the brightest whites with a Linear Burn would make for an even better presentation.

I need to get to that lady's yard before they put me in a box. What is the best time period or does it depend on the weather in a given year?

[Alan Melle]

Thanks Artie!

Here is a brochure about the swan park in Monticello, MN. The best time of year is in the dead of winter, unfortunately (COLD!), with late December and January probably best. This year, in an effort to get more of the swans to migrate south they didn't start feeding the swans until Jan, 1. I was there in late Dec. and while they weren't yet providing feed there were still a few hundred swans there. A great place for Trumpeter's!

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks a ton Alan. If I ever get my Vaso gloves I will head up there ASAP.