Out & About: Turnbull trumpeters fail to mate this year

OUTMATE – A five-year string of trumpeter swan hatches was broken this year at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge as two pairs that summered there failed to produce broods.

“We thought we had pairs on nesting territories this spring and one pair appeared to be on a nest,” said Mike Rule, refuge wildlife biologist.

Trumpeter swans, named for their distinct trumpet-like call, are the largest native waterfowl species in North America.

“We actually canoed out to what we thought were nest sites and only found loafing areas.  It is possible that the past winter was hard enough in terms of the length of time important foraging wetlands were frozen that food became limited.  Poor nutritional status could lead to a failure to nest. In wildlife, self-preservation is paramount.  

“It is also possible that the growing number of young trumpeters in the area, especially offspring of individual pairs, could be interfering with nesting. 

“The two pairs are still around in October, so we are hopeful that we’ll have better luck next year. 

“They are long-lived birds, so a single year without production shouldn’t effect long-term population growth.”

Trumpeters gained a fan base in 2009 when a geriatric male landed a mate and sired the first cygnets since his previous mate was killed by a predator in 1987. The swan returned to the refuge each year to gain the name Solo before finding a new mate. Solo sired offspring two consecutive years before disappearing two years ago. Some of the returning trumpeters are his progeny, Rule said.

Time to focus on female hunters

OUTPHOTOGRAPH – Washington’s modern rifle elk season opened Saturday, giving sportsmen another chance to put aside the rifle, pick up the camera and snap a good photo of the girl or woman out for the hunt.

For the fourth year, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding a photo contest, the winner of which will grace the cover of the state’s 2015 big-game hunting regulations pamphlet. The state distributes 650,000 copies of the pamphlet each year.

Last year the contest looked for the best photo of a hunting camp.

This year’s theme is “Women: Hunting Through the Generations.”

“We know that the world of hunting is full of mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives,” the agency says in its announcement. “Passing down hunting knowledge through the generations is something that brings families closer and turns hunting experiences into cherished memories. If your family includes women who know a thing or two about the hunt, we want to know about it.”

Some rules to consider up front:

• Digital photos should be at least 1 MB – preferably larger – to ensure a quality print job. 

• Photos should not include logos or items that could appear to endorse specific companies or products. 

• Submissions must be received by March 1, 2015.

See details on the agency’s website under Hunting.