Swan Time

Well I Swan Earl Plato

A few years back on a cold blustery day in mid-November we drove to Abino Bay. There they were! Nestled in the bay and protected from the full force of lake Erie’s powerful winds we started the count. As we drove out for a closer look the number of the giant swans grew. I said to nature partner, Bob Chambers, “There must be at least a 100 Whistling swans!” We continued on to the Bertie Boat Club and turned around. Bob in the passenger seat and with much better eyesight than I began the count.
The beautiful birds were grouped in pockets. Carefully Bob counted. 50, 60,70, 80, 90 and then over a 100. His count 118 farther out in the bay and then closer into shore, very close, Bob counted 23 more. In total 141 Trumpeter swans here in Fort Erie. How long will they stay? I imagine when the winds subside they will be on their way south. We will check them out tomorrow morning.
9:32 a.m.m Nov.17. Elaine and I head for Point Abino. Not one Whistling swan in sight! The winds have subsided some so it’s off again for our swans to warmer climes.
Each Fall large numbers of Whistling swans pause briefly on the Great Lakes before moving to their winter quarters along the Atlantic coast. They are closely related to the Trumpeter swan which has been reduced to near extinction. The Whistling or Tundra swan breeds in the Arctic tundra. Not many hunters there so it continues to thrive. The Trumpeter, however, breeds in our western provinces and is more accessible to hunters. Both these birds are magnificent species.
We plan to check Abino Bay on a regular basis. “Here today and gone tomorrow.” With a Timmy’s in hand it’s a good morning’s destination.
Bob Chambers and I could hear the mellow, rich bugling calls as they rested in the Abino Bay. Will others stop over? I hope so.
Drive out to the end of Point Abino Road and look for these great birds. You never know. My E-mail is changed. It’s earplato@enoreo.on.ca. Be in touch - nature wise.
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Hockey weekend in Ontario. We headed out this Friday to see grandson, Jage Noble, play for the Niagara Falls Major PeeWee AAA in the Waterloo Tournament. That means Elaine and I will have some time to kill. Is it shopping for her and/or a nature ramble to Homer Watson Nature Park? This park is a fine example of Carolinian forest. There are fair-sized trees including one of my favourite species - an impressive “old growth” of Eastern hemlocks. High bluffs give an excellent view of the Grand River especially now this fall with most of the leaves down.
Shopping and a nature walk. Now I hope Niagara Falls wins the games.