I saw a swan the other day which reminded me of the day I saw over 1500 swans on Marsh Lake, Yukon. I didn’t think that many birds would make their way north, never mind the big, beautiful birds like swans. There are lots of eagles and moose, and apparently swans!
Swans are migratory birds that come up to the Yukon in the early spring to breed. As this is an annual occurrence, there is a little place just southeast of Whitehorse called Swan Haven. Although it sounds like a nice, comfy place for swans to come and do the dirty, it’s actually an information center open to the public. At Swan haven visitors are welcome to take a walk along the edge of Marsh Lake to get a closer look at the swans, take a look through the many binoculars sitting around, or my personal favourite, dress up like a swan! The most magical part about Swan Haven is hearing he swans. Although they’re across the lake from Swan Haven, their trumpeting can be heard from all around.
Another fact I learned about swans while I was in the Yukon was that they fly in V-formation, much like their less lovable mate, the Canadian Goose. I didn’t even think to look up while I was walking to work until I heard a trumpet noise above me. I looked up and what do you know, about 9 swans were flying above me. I don’t mind having swans in town. For one, they have a pleasant noise, and two, they don’t stay nestled on my way to work.
Before I even knew that swans migrated up to the Yukon I started seeing large, white, wide cut-outs of swans all around town. Apparently, the swans are a big deal. I understand why, if 2000+ birds came by my home I’d probably wave my arms at everyone I walked by telling them about it!
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