Vanderhoof’s iconic trumpeter swans are back! Each spring and fall, the swans are known to stop by the Vanderhoof region during their migration and are often spotted near the Upper Nechako River.
Trumpeter Swans are the largest living waterfowl species in the world, and also have the longest wingspan which can reach up to eight feet long.
Trumpeter Swans were once close to extinction.
Historically the bird was specifically hunted for its meat, feathers for quill pens and soft swanskin powder puffs used for makeup. In 1933 it was believed that there were only 77 breeding individuals in Canada mostly due to over hunting, habitat loss, and lead shot poisoning. Due to a ban on hunting, reintroduction and conservation programs, and bird sanctuaries there are now 16,000 individuals in North America.
-With files from Monique Tamminga