Turnbull Swan Swoons

Bird-watching

Love is in the air at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

The lone trumpeter swan that has been returning to the refuge for nearly two decades may have met a mate.

For several weeks, the resident male trumpeter has been hanging out at Winslow Pool with a female swan.

The male is the last of the dozens of cygnets introduced to the refuge from Montana in 1976.

The male trumpeter was last seen with a female in 1993. But they didn’t make a nest, said Mike Rule, refuge biologist.

Winslow Pool is next to the road near the headquarters. Visitors often can see the rare swans from the parking area.

The refuge, south of Cheney, is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The entry fee is $2 per car for visitors who have not purchased a federal duck stamp.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = -Emily Mackelprang and Brook Landers