Trumpeter Swans
by Jordan

The Trumpeter is the world's biggest member of the waterfowl family. Males average about 28 pounds with females measuring about 22 pounds. Like all swans, male and females are identical, all white. But in some places in Alaska, iron in the soil can make these beautiful birds look rust colored.

The Trumpeter's nest may be up to five feet long! Baby swans are called cygnets. Eggs of Trumpeters are sometimes 5 inches long. Trumpeter swans can fly about forty miles per hour. They cannot be legally hunted. Swans have long necks so they don't have to dive for food in water. They eat grasses, seeds, sprouting grain, and vegetable matter.

Trumpeter swans can live in either hot or cold places. They can adapt to many types of climates. They live in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Atlantic seacoasts, Alaska, Northern Canada, South of Iowa and east of Indiana.

A Note from Mr. Larson

Dear Jordan,

The big swan was shot by a young person in a community on Prince William Sound. I am sure he had to pay a fine for doing it. If we kill these beautiful birds, they will disappear and young people such as yourself will not have a chance to see them or hear their beautiful sounds.

The other swan was being held under water by two eagles. They were just trying to drown it so they could have some lunch. Michael Fox, the Fish & Game officer, arrested the eagles and took the swan away and gave it to us. You must know that I am kidding, Jordan. Mr. Fox just let the eagles go on their way. But the rest is true. Thanks, Jordan
-Mr. Larson

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