Return of the Trumpeter Swans

When European settlers arrived in Iowa, Trumpeters were plentiful. The handsome bird was prized for its beautiful white plumage. Many a lady’s hat was adorned with the huge feathers. The quills became pens and the swan’s extra soft skin was turned into powder puffs. The magnificent bird with a wingspan of up to 10’ could reach 28 pounds. They provided a tasty meal for a crowd or several days of food for a family.

As wetlands were drained for farming, their habitat was quickly disappearing. The largest bird in North America was highly sensitive to the lead shot commonly used in ammunition in those times. All these factors contributed to a once thriving resource being reduced to only a handful. The impressive sight of Tumpeters in flight and the enchanting notes of their musical voices vanished. The last recorded nesting pair in Iowa was in 1883.

Over a hundred years passed before a soft spoken and determined man came along to restore the Trumpeters to their native environments. Ron Andrews, then a DNR wildlife biologist in Iowa, brought his tireless energy and unfailingly positive attitude to head Iowa’s efforts to bring back our Trumpeter Swans. He worked through every challenge with a smile. And often a joke. The hard work eventually paid off. Slowly the restoration progressed as a pair successfully nested in 1998.

Ron and his partners in one of the greatest restoration projects in nature are seeing astonishing results. In March there were hundreds of Trumpeters gathering on Crystal Lake. What a sight and sound! They have now moved on to their favorite breeding grounds.

Ron was recently awarded the Iowa TWS, the Wildlife Society Conservation Hall of Fame. We in Clear Lake are extremely fortunate to be able to visit with Ron about this incredible project. April 28th at 5:50-7 in the Clear Lake Library he will show the documentary of this conservation accomplishment. Come hear the music of the Swans.