The Fabulous Erin and Bill Woods have provided local cyclists with directions on wonderful rides and tours for years. We love and rely on these books, but where the Woods seem to go for beautiful scenery and safe riding conditions and rustic attractions, some of us look for big gravelly hills, or the adrenaline thrill of hostile traffic, or cows to moo at, or a good destination bakery. Their numbers peak about January and they have pretty much gone back home by the end of March. They spend their winter days in sociable groups in old corn, potato and carrot fields, and their nights out in Skagit Bay, Clear Lake, and Bay Slough. Because Trumpeter Swans weigh about 25 pounds and have 8-foot wingspans, they are easy to see against the muddy ground, and just about anywhere else.
Trumpeters have a call like a trumpet, with the same tonal quality as badly-played bagpipes.
Its smaller cousin the Tundra Swan has a higher-pitched honk. The two species often mingle together in the same flocks. While out looking for birds you might encounter the Snow Goose which is also white, much smaller and has black wing tips. Trumpeter Swan Society's web site has more ID pictures, audio files and other very cool stuff. Ditto the Washington Swan Coalition .