Bird Calls Radio's Bird of the Day for Tuesday, Aug. 2

The mute swan is the Bird Calls Radio’s Bird of the Day for Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Mute swans are an introduced species to the New England landscape and therefore are not protected by federal migratory bird laws. They are large and picturesque, but also very territory and often out-compete native birds for prime nesting areas along our waters.

The northern part of their range seems to be southern New England, but don’t be surprised if their population expands northward.

They are a favorite bird of many families as they will come close for bread and other giveaways. Not that I’m condoning the practice, but I’ve seen it often. I even overheard a waitress at a waterside restaurant say, “Oh, there’s my swan,” as she tossed leftovers over the rail for the bird.

Connecticut currently does not have measures in place to control the mute swan’s population. Other states, such as Maryland, do.

 

Be sure to check out Bird Calls every Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. on WSTC/WNLK AM1400/1350 (in S. CT and nearby NY) or www.wstcwnlk.com from anywhere in the world (where there’s Internet access, that is.) Thanks for checking in.