Tundra swans are starting to appear at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, a sure sign that winter is coming. Most of the year, larger trumpeter swans can be seen at the refuge as they nest in the marshes. Tundra swans migrate to the area after breeding in Canada and huge flocks can be found on the refuge and on surrounding farmland from November through February. Visitors will often hear them before they see them.
This photograph of a field of tundra swans was taken by Linda Carstensen. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge’s trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center and Rookery Nature Store are open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit friendsofottawanwr.org/events.
