The trumpeter swan is the largest waterfowl species in North America. These elegant white birds can weigh over 25 pounds and have an 8-foot wingspan. Trumpeter swans were once threatened by overhunting and habitat loss, with only 69 known individuals in 1935. After decades of conservation efforts, their populations have rebounded. Today, Washington state provides excellent opportunities for viewing these majestic birds in their natural wetland habitats.
In this article, we will explore the best places in Washington to observe trumpeter swans, along with tips on the best times of year and viewing strategies. Whether you are a birdwatcher, photographer, or nature enthusiast, read on to plan an unforgettable encounter with Washington’s magnificent trumpeter swans.
Trumpeter Swan Natural History
Let’s start by reviewing some key facts about trumpeter swans:
Physical Features
Trumpeter swans have pure white plumage. Their long, straight necks hold erect postures. These swans have large black bills with a bit of salmon-pink color at the base. They also have black legs and feet. Their most distinguishing feature is a nearly straight bill that measures 2.5-3.5 inches.
Trumpeters are the largest waterfowl in North America. They can reach lengths of 4-5 feet and have wingspans around 8 feet. Males typically weigh 20-30 pounds, compared to 17-22 pounds for females.
Habitat and Diet
Trumpeter swans live in large ponds, marshes, and lakes with stable water levels and extensive beds of submerged aquatic plants. These aquatic plants make up the majority of a trumpeter’s diet. By plunging their long necks into the water and tipping up their tails, trumpeters can reach vegetation up to four feet deep. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, stems, tubers, and roots of pondweeds, water milfoil, wild celery, and wild rice. They will also eat some aquatic insects and mollusks.
Breeding and Nesting
Trumpeter swans form monogamous pair bonds that can last many years. They nest on large mounds they build from aquatic vegetation in shallow waters of wetlands. The female lays 3-6 eggs and both parents share incubation duties for 32-37 days. Their young, called cygnets, are light gray in color. Parents fiercely protect their young, sometimes defending them from bald eagles. After 90-120 days, the young are able to fly and will stay with their parents through their first winter before dispersing. Trumpeters usually first breed at age 4-7.
Conservation Status
Trumpeter swans were heavily hunted in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as their feathers were used to adorn hats. Numbers dwindled to just 69 known individuals in 1935. Protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act allowed the species to slowly recover. They were listed as Threatened in 1975 but their status was upgraded to Least Concern in 1996 as populations increased. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on protecting vital wetland habitat across their range.
Best Places to See Trumpeter Swans in Washington
Several key areas provide your best chances to spot trumpeter swans in Washington state:
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Located about 20 miles southwest of Spokane, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge contains a mix of wetlands, grasslands, and forest that support over 200 migratory bird species throughout the year. Trumpeter swans are common within the 17,000 acres of wetlands, arriving in October and staying through early April. The refuge’s auto tour route provides excellent viewing opportunities. Peak numbers of over 400 swans winter on the refuge’s ponds and marshes.
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands in northwest Washington provide important habitat for trumpeter swans, especially during winter months. They frequent shallow bays, estuaries, and agricultural fields on the islands while grazing on winter crops. Cygnus Loop near San Juan Island National Historical Park is a noted hotspot. Other islands to spot trumpeters include Orcas, Lopez, and Blakely.
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
Straddling the Columbia River in central Washington, this refuge has been vital to trumpeter swan recovery efforts, providing sanctuary and supplementation to bolster wild populations. A flock of over 100 trumpeters winters on the refuge’s wetlands and lakes. Prime viewing spots include the Kiwanis, RH Thomson, and Hunting units. Winter is the best season, with February a peak month.
Cowlitz Wildlife Area
Operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, this lowland area in the Cascade foothills provides excellent swan watching opportunities from November through March. Trumpeters forage in the pastures, wetlands, and farmlands of the area, often mingling with tundra swans. Walking trails and viewing platforms offer prime viewing access. Peak numbers reach 300-400 swans.
Skagit Wildlife Area
In the fertile Skagit River delta, this wildlife area offers over 10,000 acres of prime swan habitat, drawing hundreds of wintering trumpeters as well as tundra swans. Open farm fields dotted with ponds allow for excellent viewing. The Wylie Slough unit draws the most swans, along with excellent raptors like bald eagles and peregrine falcons.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge protecting the Nisqually River delta in Puget Sound hosts the largest wintering population of swans in Washington, often topping 2,000 birds. A 4-mile wildlife drive weaves through freshwater wetlands where swans feed on vegetation like American bullrush. Late February is generally the peak.
| Location | Best Viewing Months | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge | October – April | – Auto tour route – Up to 400 swans in winter |
| San Juan Islands | Winter months | – Cygnus Loop near San Juan Island |
| Columbia National Wildlife Refuge | November – February | – Wintering flock of 100+ swans |
| Cowlitz Wildlife Area | November – March | – Walking trails & viewing platforms – 300-400 swans at peak |
| Skagit Wildlife Area | Winter months | – Wylie Slough unit |
| Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge | February | – Up to 2,000 swans at peak |
Tips for Viewing Trumpeter Swans
Here are some tips to help you have the best possible viewing experience when swan watching:
Use Binoculars or a Spotting Scope
Bring a good pair of binoculars, with at least 10x magnification, to get clear views of swans at a distance. A spotting scope on a tripod allows even closer looks.
Look for Leg Bands
Many trumpeter swans have numbered yellow or red leg bands that allow identification of individuals. Try reading the bands – you can report them to provide valuable data for researchers.
Time Your Visit
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for viewing swans. Midday heat will have swans resting. Arrive an hour before sunrise or linger until sunset to observe peak swan activity.
Be Patient
Bring some snacks and drinks, find a strategic spot with a good view, and wait. Swans may move in and out of view around ponds or fields. Spending a few hours allows you to observe their range of behaviors.
Look for Rare Trumpet Calls
Male trumpeter swans are known for their sonorous, booming “trumpeting” calls that gave them their name. Listen for these resonating calls, which often signal territorial displays or communicate with mates.
Follow Proper Etiquette
Keep your distance from swans and stay quiet to respect their space. If swans become agitated or defensive, you are too close. Give them a wide berth and be cautious around nests or young cygnets.
Consider a Guided Tour
To learn all about the swans from an expert, take a guided tour or presentation offered at many refuges and parks, often scheduled at peak times.
Conclusion
With a range spanning the vast wetlands of Washington, trumpeter swans offer a memorable wildlife spectacle for nature lovers. Their graceful beauty as they glide across icy waters or trumpet calls ringing across a frosty landscape make for an unforgettable experience. With ample viewing opportunities across the state, it is possible to admire these regal waterfowl nearly year-round if you time your visits right. Grab your binoculars and camera and start planning your own trumpeter swan sighting adventure in Washington! As you watch them paddling and foraging, reflect on the conservation success story that brought trumpeters back from the brink after decades of declines. With ongoing habitat protection and responsible viewing, future generations can continue to enjoy encounters with these iconic white swans.
