Since spring is just over two weeks away, we should brace for south winds and water-filled fields from snow melt.
It's perfect weather for the return of the swans to Southern Ontario. Next week may see the first ones arrive.
Once these birds arrive they stay until they can make the flight to the next staging area south of Winnipeg. .
A release from Gwen Watson at the Lambton Heritage museum outlines this season's plans for Return of the Swans Festival. "From March 13 to April 4, visitors to the North Lambton area will find fun for the entire family," she states.
The North Lambton area is fortunate to have a natural staging area for white tundra swans as well as other waterfowl. Before the land behind the museum was drained for farming, this huge wetland was a staging area for migrating birds. Each spring the fields continue to flood and the corn and bean stubble from the fall harvest provides food for waterfowl. Depending on weather and field conditions, visitors can sometimes see thousands of swans, ducks and geese in their natural habitat.
It is always best to call ahead or check the website. To find out how many tundra swans are in the area, contact www.returnofthe swans.com, or call 1-800-265-0316 Tourism Lambton or call the Lambton Heritage Museum at 519-243-2600.
Watson notes "the annual migration of the tundra swans is truly one of the wonders of nature. In early spring they leave their wintering grounds along North America's east coast on Chesapeake Bay to begin the 6,500 km journey to their breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic. After resting and feeding at several staging areas along the way, they arrive at the breeding grounds in May. They arrive as the ice is melting, nest on the ground and lay about five eggs They use the next 100 days to raise their offspring before the northern winter sets in and they must return south again."
The tundra swan, formerly known as the whistling swan, is North America's smallest and most abundant swan. Adult swans are pure white and have a wing span of about two metres. There is a yellow spot in front of their eyes. Immatures are a greyish colour. Tundra swans mate for life at the age of about four or five years. When you visit the fields, take your binoculars and a telescope for distant viewing.
The museum is open seven days a week in March from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults , lesser amounts for students and children and families, $15.
There are other activities nearby. In the museum there will be an art exhibit and sale - Paint Ontario. Art features Ontario artists and is under the direction of Barry Richman at 519-238-6213 or huronart@ezlink.on.ca
There is also a maple syrup festival on March 20, 21 and 27, 28. For information call 1-866-692-4315.
UPDATES:
Last week Reinhold Pokraka reported some spring sightings: three common grackles and about 50 dark red-breasted male robins along the Thames River in North London near his home. When robins migrate north, males always arrive first.
thomasnhayman@rogers.com
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