Autumn's swan song? Or not?

When we visited Crex Meadows near Grantsberg, WI a couple of weeks ago, we learned that the sandhill crane population was expected to peak near the end of October. While we were there, we noticed a large number of swans flocked up on a couple of the pools.

early December swans, South pool

Photo by J. Harrington

Today, as we drove past the South pool in the Sunrise Unit at Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, we saw about a dozen of so swans, including one that was sitting on a muskrat house. Since we've seen few swans on this pool over the Summer, we believe they're beginning to flock up in anticipation of their migration South. A few years ago, there was enough open water and food available to hold a number of swans in the same area until early December [see photo]. At this time of year, it's possible that the local trumpeter swans may be joined by some tundra swans. "Birdchick,"  about ten years ago, posted a nice piece on her blog, comparing the two species. Even with several chances for snow in the forecast for early next week, the swans and the Autumn season may stick around for at least several weeks more, until after Thanksgiving? Let's hope Winter, and this year's annual fall migration, hold off at least until then.

The Swan

by Mary Oliver

Did you too see it, drifting, all night, on the black river?
Did you see it in the morning, rising into the silvery air -
An armful of white blossoms,
A perfect commotion of silk and linen as it leaned
into the bondage of its wings; a snowbank, a bank of lilies,
Biting the air with its black beak?
Did you hear it, fluting and whistling
A shrill dark music - like the rain pelting the trees - like a waterfall
Knifing down the black ledges?
And did you see it, finally, just under the clouds -
A white cross Streaming across the sky, its feet
Like black leaves, its wings Like the stretching light of the river?
And did you feel it, in your heart, how it pertained to everything?
And have you too finally figured out what beauty is for?
And have you changed your life?

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