ML285037311

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

2 adults and 3 juvenile swans in one flock photographed, though at one point I thought I saw 3 adults. (Could be mistaken?) Only seen in flight, always circling as if agitated. At 3:20 pm they left the site heading west and I watched them in the telephoto lens as they headed towards Lake Elizabeth area; they went directly on that heading until lost from view against the foothills. Both adults had all-black bills that extended continuously to the eye. Eye slightly larger than the point where bill met the eye but not by much; it all looked like one unit. Bill entirely black except for a pink line where upper and lower bill met. Adults all white but on one the face showed yellow tinge on forehead and at base of bill, perhaps stain from feeding. Juveniles medium gray with darker (almost sooty) heads and dark bills with dingy pink centers (like a blurry target). Pink gape line visible on juv as well, where upper half bill meets lower half. Silent. As I mentioned in the list notes, there are swan decoys on site and tundra swans are generally annual here. See photos: these look like trumpeters to me? I am aware this is an exceptional record for Los Angeles County.

Technical information

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1634 pixels x 1235 pixels

Original file size

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