A Recent Record of the Trumpeter Swan in the State of Washington
A Recent Record of the Trumpeter Swan in the State of Washington
Reports and sight records of the Trumpeter Swan (Olor buccinator) have always been much more plentiful for Washington than actual specimens. Therefore, about three years ago, I was greatly interested to have Mr. Fred Edwards, our Tacoma taxidermist, report to me that an unusually large swan had been sent in to him for mounting. It was shot on, or about, November 9, 1912, the locality being Moses Lake, Douglas County, Washington. The sex was not ascertained, but the bird had not yet reached the mature white plumage. After comparing it with a number of Whistling Swans (Olor columbianus) that were brought in, both Mr. Edwards and I felt positive that it was a Trumpeter. The bird is now in the possession of Mr. George Willett, of Los Angeles, California, who writes me that he is perfectly satisfied as to its identity. Measurements, furnished by him, are as follows, in inches and hundredths: Length of wing, 26; tarsus, 4.12; middle toe and claw, 6.36; eye to tip of bill, 5.36; nostril to tip of bill, 2.65. Number of tail feathers, 22.
J. H. Bowles
Tacoma, Washington
