Blog

Each year we rouse ourselves from our winter cocoon on a Saturday in January to assist the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the San Juan Preservation Trust in their statewide effort to monitor the state of migratory swans, both Trumpeter and Tundra. Volunteers scan each of the inland water bodies on San Juan Island at the same time starting early in the morning before swans might start flying from one place to another.

Several years ago we were assigned Zylstra Lake, which probably the largest lake on our island. It was a swan-filled experience on a dark and foggy morning.

This year we were assigned a different large lake, far from any roads or homes. We arose before dawn and hiked up through the woods with cameras, tripods and warm winter clothes. This lake should be perfect for swans, as it is so far from any human disturbances! After a mile or so we very quietly approached the lake just before sunrise. Given the early morning light, we expected to easily spot the large white swans. But, to no avail. No swans!

However, it was a lovely calm winter morning on San Juan Island. We came home all calm and collected, planning to hold on to this feeling as tomorrow, Monday, presents the first day of the incoming administration in the other Washington.