In the Spring, Trumpeter Swans fly from the western coasts of Canada to their breeding grounds in Alaska shown in red on the migration map >>.

In late Fall, they fly back to their wintering grounds shown in blue on the map.

There are 3 types of Swans found in Alaska:
         -Trumpeter Swans
         -Tundra Swans
         -Whooper Swans

Trumpeter Swans are larger than Tundra Swans, but unless they are side by side, it is sometimes difficult to tell them apart judging by size alone.

To learn more about Tundra Swans, go to the Tundra Swan Gallery >>

A group of Trumpeter Swans take off into the sunset in Interior Alaska. At dusk, the sun casts a warm magenta light onto the Swans feathers.

The Swans took off just in time to catch the last light of the day. Barely a minute later, the sun dropped below the horizon and the warm light faded into darkness...

As they migrate south in the Fall, Trumpeter Swans make a stop in the marshes near Anchorage. A Swan family with several cygnets was spotted on the glassy water just before they decided to take off...

Photos of Trumpeter Swans taking off in the Fall.

Ponds can be crowded, and tension between neighbours will often lead to fighting to defend their territory.

Trumpeter Swans' courting ritual also includes a typical dance where they take turns bobbing their heads up and down while making calls (below).

Photos of Trumpeter Swan Cygnets in the Spring (below) and Fall (left) in Alaska.

Unlike the adult Swans which have a disctinctive white plumage, the Cygnets have a grey plumage very noticeable the first year. Cygnets also have a pink beak instead of black.

During the Spring, Trumpeter Swans are seen exhibiting their courtship behaviours, extending their majestic wings to impress their mate.

Trumpeter Swans' courting ritual also includes a typical dance where they take turns bobbing their heads up and down while making calls.

After they reach their breeding grounds in North America, Trumpeter Swans only have a short window to raise their chicks. In the Spring, they build a large nest usually located in a shallow pond. The nest, made of branches and vegetation, provides a comfortable home raised a few feet above the water.

Photos of Trumpeter Swans taken in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

Whenever there is romance in the air, there is also rivalry. These two Trumpeter Swans were fighting to impress the ladies.

This proud Trumpeter Swan parent diligently attends to its progeny atop a comfortable nest. Trumpeter Swans usually raise several chicks through the summer.

The Swan cygnets are only a few days old, but they already want to venture into the new world.

Trumpeter & Tundra Swans are the two common species of Swans in Alaska. The latter is smaller and can be distinguished by a yellow dot on the side of the bill. In the Anchorage area, Trumpeter Swans are more numerous than their cousins.

Like Arctic Terns and Red Necked Grebes, Swans mate for life.

The snow came early this past fall and surprised many swans in a storm..