A swan, first spotted yesterday by Charles "Zig" Ziegenfus (with his James
Madison University Ornithology class), was seen from a good distance away both
yesterday and today. Tonight it offered much closer views, although in poor
light -- just after sundown. This thanks to it having trailed a Mute Swan that
seemed interested in checking out my car "blind" as I viewed from the road.
Location is private though the pond is near the road. PLEASE VIEW FROM THE CAR
/ road shoulder. NOT on the top of the dam, which may be tempting as it's
close to the road, but is on private property.
We believe the bird is a Trumpeter. Observations my photos don't show:
Seen from the rear, swimming away, the Mute Swan seemed the narrower of the two
-- the Trumpeter looked much more wide-bodied. Viewed in profile they seemed
very close to the same size; my impression of which was larger varied with
their poses. The Mute Swan seemed to ride higher in the water, which added
some question in evaluating apparent size.
The pond is on Silver Creek Rd, Rt. 909, west of Dayton. From Rt. 42 in
Dayton: Rt 257 west, left on Thomas Spring Rd, fork right on Silver Creek Rd,
pond is on the left.
Good luck!
Photos start here:
http://birdtrek.smugmug.com/Animals/Shenandoah-Valley-Virginia-Winte/46653700_MHfwNv#!i=3848596140&k=VpwLvnQ
Diane Lepkowski
Harrisonburg
