2002 Release

On May 13, 2002, three breeding pairs of Trumpeter Swans were released in the Cranberry Marsh area of Callander Bay. Pontoon boats were used to ferry the swans from the Callander Bay boat launch area to the release area. This area was chosen for their release because it was previously a nesting site for a pair of wild Trumpeter Swans that had settled into the marsh in the year 2000. These new swans come from biologist Harry Lumsden who is spearheading the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction Program.

Here Harry Lumsden gets ready to release a pair of Trumpeter Swans from a portable retention cage. Photos: Jean-Marc Filion	Another pair of Trumpeter Swans proudly sets out to ply the waters of the Callander Bay Cranberry Marsh area.
The swans were released under the Lake Nipissing Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program, operated by the Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation (LNPC, Nipissing Partners). This program was conceived of and organized by the LNPC. The project was born as a result of the community's outcry when two wild Trumpeter Swans were found shot in the Callander Bay wetland. The swan numbers are 667, 669 and 671- Females, 670, 672 and 668 - Males.

These "running on the water" photographs were taken by Jean-Marc Filion, shortly after the 2002 Trumpeter Swan Release. The released trumpeters have had some of their flight feathers clipped to force them to stay on the "ground" and become accustomed to their new surroundings. Come August, their flight feathers will have regrown and the swans will become airborne. At this time "geographical imprinting" will take place as the swans will for the first time look down at the topography and memorize it as "home" !

It did not take long for the Trumpeter Swans to become accustomed to their new home. With lots to eat, and a locally significant wetland to explore, life looked pretty rosy . . . Photos: J.M. Filion
Read about what happened to male 668 Photo: Angela Martin