ML147239401

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

**rare; three adults feeding in a wet spot in field. All birds were the same size, had the same thickness, and similar bill proportions. The forehead feathering on all three birds was a shallow “V”, eliminating Trumpeter Swan. One bird had a very large yellow spot, almost approaching Bewick’s (but still well smaller than a Bewick’s candidate). At least one of the other two had a very small, minimal yellowish spot on the lores and it may be that they both had it (photos may show this). The two with obvious yellow both had very narrow connections between the bill and eye, but the one with the least amount of yellow in the lores did have a stronger connection to the eye, but not as extensive as on Trumpeter. Given that normal variation in Tundra (Whistling) Swans includes birds with entirely black lores, and given that the U-shakes forehead feathering along with size, neck width, Bill proportions, and overall proportions matched the other two Tundras, a hybrid does not seem possible here. No vocalizations heard. Digiscoped and SLR photos. The location is a bit sensitive, so I had locals check on the birds the next day and they had already left, unfortunately.

Technical information

Model

iPhone SE

Lens

iPhone SE back camera 4.15mm f/2.2

ISO

25

Focal length

4.2 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/2.2

Shutter speed

1/120 sec

Dimensions

4032 pixels x 3024 pixels

Original file size

1.99 MB