Tundra swans have arrived

A pair of an estimated 340 Tundra swans were seen in the water early Saturday afternoon, March 5 at the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located just south of the Ontario Police College off Hacienda Road northeast of Aylmer. The Tundra swans arrived in greater numbers on Tuesday, March 1 with 116 counted by volunteers with the Elgin Stewardship Council. On Thursday, March 3, 134 swans were counted and 560 on Friday, March 4. A great number of Canada geese can also be seen at the Aylmer WMA, an estimated 300 were seen on Thursday, March 3, along with some ducks. The migrating swans normally arrive in early to mid-March. For about a month once they arrive, the Tundra swans will feed and rest at the Aylmer WMA and other Southwestern Ontario sites on their way to their breeding grounds in the high Arctic.