DNR asks for reports on trumpeter swan pairs

Trumpeter swans have made a dramatic comeback and Minnesotans are being asked to help in the restoration effort.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program is asking for reports on sightings of new swan pairs in wetlands in order to help locate new nesting sites.

The Minnesota flock of trumpeter swans now consists of more than 1,750 individuals, according to Steve Kittelson, DNR Trumpeter Swan Project leader. The DNR trumpeters have expanded their range and have paired up with trumpeters from other restoration projects, including Iowa, Wisconsin and Canada.

The DNR’s trumpeter swan restoration project has released more than 300 swans since 1987. “These free-flying birds could show up virtually anywhere in the state and we need help to keep track of them,” Kittelson said.

Kittelson asks anyone seeing a new pair of trumpeter swans accompanied by young swans, at a wetland, to write down the date and location of the sighting, the number of tagged and untagged birds, the color, and the I.D. number from wing tags or neck collars, if possible. Minnesota DNR swans have orange plastic wing tags (right wing on males, left wing on females).

New swan families should be reported to Kittelson at (651) 296-9662 in the Twin Cities metro area, toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367), or e-mail steve.kittelson@dnr.state.mn.us.

This information can help determine which birds are nesting, where they nest, and whether or not they’re successful.