Trumpeter Swans - Skagit County, WA - February
These shots represent some of the variation among young Trumpeter Swans in February (alas, not March). The white blotching on Trumps really seems to come in during March in Washington, but may well appear a tad earlier in the winter at more southerly latitudes as such molts are often driven by the duration of daylight. Note that many young Trumps have yellowish on their "legs" in February, or at least a grayish color (other than that of mud), whereas young Tundras have jet black legs and feet then. The "toes" and webbing are the last to lose the yellowish to olive color, and some one year old birds retain this.
Trumpeter Swans - Skagit County, WA - February
These shots represent some of the variation among young Trumpeter Swans in February (alas, not March). The white blotching on Trumps really seems to come in during March in Washington, but may well appear a tad earlier in the winter at more southerly latitudes as such molts are often driven by the duration of daylight. Note that many young Trumps have yellowish on their "legs" in February, or at least a grayish color (other than that of mud), whereas young Tundras have jet black legs and feet then. The "toes" and webbing are the last to lose the yellowish to olive color, and some one year old birds retain this.