Today we took a day trip up to Montecello, MN, to see the spectacle at the self-proclaimed swan capital of the Midwest. Trumpeter swans like to winter at this spot on the Mississippi because the heat from a nearby nuclear power station stops the river from freezing. Add to this the self-proclaimed "swan lady" who feeds the swans all the corn they can eat and soon hundreds of swans began to flock here for their winter layover. While swans are a universal symbol of romance as they mate for life, the cries of hundreds of trumpeter swans are more disturbing than romantic. They have taken over the swan lady's yard and spread out around the river, which probably pleases all the people who own river front property in the area!
Swan
Lots of swans
We were close to Lake Maria state park so we decided to take a quick walk on the groomed trail for winter hiking. The sun was out and the woods were very pretty, and made warming next to the wood fire with my birthday cupcake even more enjoyable!
Listen to the honking!
Swan
Lots of swans
No comments:
Post a Comment