WHITE SWANS OF WINTER

MARTHA JORDAN, well-known swan biologist, will present a program on the native swans, Trumpeter and Tundra, in the Pacific Northwest. You will learn about their life history, biology and some swan identification tips. Updates on eastern Washington swans and how Washington’s west and east sides are connected for swans not only in WA but along the entire flyway. Learn about the connection between swans and snow geese and their management connections.

She will shed some light on the problems and controversies these birds face on their wintering grounds and what is needed to ensure their future. Get updated on the swan lead poisoning problem, winter habitat issues, avian influenza and more.  You will leave with resources to help you identify swans in the field. Learn how to help Get the Lead Out of both shooting and fishing sporting activities. This is vital to the welfare of swans and all waterbirds.

Martha has a B.S. degree in Wildlife Science from Oregon State University. Professionally she has worked both in marine and terrestrial environments throughout Washington and parts of Alaska. In the late 1970s while volunteering to observe snow geese and reading their collars in the Skagit Valley, WA, she began to look at the small group of Trumpeter Swans in the same area. By 1984 she had expanded her survey efforts to all of Western Washington and had contributed much information to both state and federal agencies on the status of Trumpeter Swans in Washington State. She wrote the state’s first Trumpeter Swan management plan in 1985. She is still active in both field work and education related to both Trumpeter and Tundra Swans throughout the region. She is currently the Executive Director of Northwest Swan Conservation Association, a regional non-profit. The focus is on our native swans and their habitats throughout the northwest region.

This presentation will be aired via Zoom Video Conferencing. On the Monday preceding the event, Nature Vancouver members will receive the Zoom link in the weekly e-News. To join the talk on Thursday, click on that link after 7:15 pm. The talk will begin at 7:30 pm. Non-members are welcome and should Email denis@naturevancouver.ca well in advance to register for the link.