On June 2nd, 2003, 14 Trumpeter Swans were released in the Callander Bay area (tag numbers 773 to 785 & 589). The swans were released here under the Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction Program, operated by the Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation (LNPC, Nipissing Partners) and funded by the Trillium Foundation. All photos on this page courtesy Jean-Marc Filion. |
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| A crowd of several hundred people gathers in anticipation of the release of the 14 swans. |
Harry Lumsden, a retired MNR biologist and spearhead of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction Initiative, arrives from Minden with a truck-load of fourteen 2-year-old, flight- feather-clipped Trumpeter Swans. |
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| Kevin O'Grady (2002 / 2003 LNPC Chairman) saw
to the construction of a special ramp for this release.
Harry Lumsden simply had to back up his truck to this
ramp and let the swans go . . .down the ramp . . . to the lake ! |
Ah . . . . freedom at last ! |
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Once released, the 14 Trumpeter Swans immediately formed two splinter groups. One headed up the right shore towards the Cranberry Marsh, while the other headed up the left shore towards the Marina. Of interest, the swans that headed towards the Marina ended up mingling with people all summer, while the others became reclusive residents of the Cranberry Marsh. |
| This magnificent day was made possible thanks to the initiative and particular dedication of Harry Lumsden and Kevin O'Grady (photo). We also would like to acknowledge the contributions of Hector Lavigne (2003 North Himsworth mayor) and Bill Beckett (retiring Secretary-Manager) and staff of the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority. | 
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