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Trumpeter
Swans and Snowy Owls in Darke County
On March 5, a member of the Darke County Birders found 2 Trumpeter
Swans at a wetland near Elroy. This is the first recorded
sighting of wild Trumpeter Swans in Darke County in modern times.
Swans were hunted in earlier times for food and skins. Loss of
habitat also led to their decline. In 1996, Ohio became involved
in their reintroduction. In 2016, there were a high of 74
breeding pairs in Ohio. The closest places to see nesting
“trumpeters” are Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Wyandot County and
Big Island in Marion County.
Recently, there also have been two different reports of Snowy Owls in
Darke County this winter. These owls typically reside further
north, but some winters journey this far south. There were many
sightings all over Ohio this winter. There was a deceased Snowy
found at the Greenville Industrial Park near Jaysville-St. John’s
Road. Another owl was photographed on Young Road near the
intersection of Washington Road on March 2, 2018. It was not
relocated. The Darke County Birders would love to have a copy of
the photo if the person who has the picture would forward it to
reginasch@embarqmail.com or to info@darkecountyparks.org.
The Darke County Birders is a focus group of the Friends of the Darke
County Parks. Any bird questions or reports can be sent to
reginasch@embarqmail.com or to the park district office at 548-0165.
The Darke County Birders is a club for people interested in watching
birds. The club has monthly fieldtrips and a monthly meeting the
4th Tuesday of each month.
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