TRUMPETER SWANS

Restoring trumpeter swans to their native habitat on Blackfoot wetlands since 2004.

Trumpeter swan being released in Ovando, MT

TRUMPETER SWANS

Trumpeter swans are making a comeback in the Blackfoot watershed, with a little help from a joint program between the Blackfoot Challenge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Meriwether Lewis recorded the presence of a pair of trumpeter swans at the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clearwater Rivers in July of 1806. After the feather trade decimated swans throughout the continent, there were no records of resident swans in the Blackfoot until 2003, when a pair of trumpeters nested on a wetland east of Lincoln. Their return inspired a restoration project, and starting in 2005 captive-reared trumpeter swans have been released in the Blackfoot every year. The population is steadily growing and nests have produced an increasing number of cygnets (baby swans) since 2011, with many of these young returning to the watershed to raise families of their own. Over 200 schoolkids and members of the public attend the swan releases each year.

Header photo: Sara Schmidt; Inset photo: Larry Beckner, Great Falls Tribune

RESTORATION STORY

After a nearly 200 year absence, the story of trumpeter swan restoration began in the Blackfoot in 2003. Watch a short video telling this story here. 

MONITORING OUR PROGRESS

Monitoring the activities and movements of trumpeter swans released in the Blackfoot is the biggest part of the restoration program. Learn the details here. 

ANNUAL RELEASES

Over 200 schoolkids and other members of the public attend swan releases each year. A few lucky folks even get to hold the swans and release them into the wild! 

TRACK A SWAN

This interactive map allows you to track the whereabouts of specific trumpeter swans released in the Blackfoot, including their movements during the summer and where they migrate to spend winter. 

ENTER A SWAN SIGHTING

We rely on reported swan sightings from the public. If you’ve seen a trumpeter swan with a red neck band or leg band recently, report your sighting here.

THE SWAN BLOG

Catch up on what Blackfoot trumpeter swans have been up to lately at the Swan Blog! 

PHOTO GALLERY

A variety of photos of Blackfoot trumpeter swans, monitoring efforts, and public trumpeter swan releases over the years. 

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ACTIVE SWAN TERRITORIES IN THE BLACKFOOT

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ACTIVE NESTS IN 2021

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SWAN RELEASE PARTICIPANTS ANNUALLY

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TARGET NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL NESTS FOR 2 CONSECUTIVE YEARS