Nature’s Christmas presence

Some years, open water lasts into December and we get the pleasure of seeing trumpeter swans late in the season. Once, a few years ago, we went for a drive to take a look at the swans on open water of the St. Croix river at Hudson, WI in February. This has been consistent with my understanding that waterfowl, including swans, roost/rest on open water. This year several sightings have undermined my understanding. We’ve observed swans roosting in harvested farm fields during mid-day. Today was the most recent such observation, and there were several flocks of a dozen or so birds. I may need to do a bit of for real research this winter to see what I can learn. If any reader has insights or recommended sources, please feel free to share in the comments. Thanks!

Carlos Avery 2015: December awans

Photo by J. Harrington

Today’s swan sighting was an example of one of the pleasures of “country" living. While driving hither and thither on daily business, there’s often a chance one might see wildlife from time to time, especially if one travels on less trafficked county or township roads, which I am wont to do. A few years ago I noticed a single swan on the snow covered frozen surface of Bone Lake in Washington County. That’s how I ended up discovering the Hudson flocks. Some Christmas presents come early and unwrapped.

Swans are reported to be a symbol of tranquillity and peace (#8). That makes seeing them at this time of year especially significant. You don’t have to believe me, but ask Mary Oliver.

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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