TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Hundreds of swans were spotted on a body of shallow water in a low-lying field northeast of Merrill, just off of Barnes Creek Ave., early last week. Initial sightings had identified the birds as trumpeter swans; however, upon closer examination of images of the swans, the majority appear to be tundra swans, as noted by the yellow markings near their eyes. However, not all tundra swans’ yellow markings are large or prominent, and it can be difficult to see the identifying features without being up close to them or without the advantage of a zoom lens, a pair of binoculars, or a spotting scope to help differentiate between trumpeter swans and tundra swans.
