Swans in the lower river area of Brooks Camp August 13, 2024 snapshot captured by Leslie 06:34 AKDT
It is believed that August 2024 was the first time swans have been observed on the Explore.org live cams located at Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park & Preserve. We don't know much about the swans that utilize the area, but have learned about swans that utilize the Naknek River in and around the King Salmon area due to the live cam located near KNP&P Headquarters. We have also learned that the Alaska Peninsula is an important staging area for migratory birds. What we have learned from the rangers in prior seasons about the swans that use the Naknek River area appears below:
Swans: When you do start to see swans on the Naknek River, the vast majority (99%) will probably be tundra swans, but Bewick's Swans and Whooper Swans have also been observed in King Salmon. When the tide starts rising fast the swans typically fly upriver to rest and feed in places outside of the tide's influence, or at least where the tide's influence is less.
- Bewick's Swan: an Asian species of the Tundra Swan
- Trumpeter Swan: Ranger Mike says to him trumpeter swans sound like a horn when they call. more information here
- Tundra Swan: Their diet is mostly plant matter, but they will also consume invertebrates that they catch while foraging. These swans will use their feet and bills to dig in the mud on the river bottom to uncover the roots and rhizomes of aquatic vegetation. The tundra swans along the Naknek River will begin to disperse as the ponds and lakes in the area begin to thaw. Ranger Mike describes the call of the tundra swan to be much more oboe-like . more information here
- Whooper Swan: a different species of swan from Europe and Asia. They are basically the Eurasian equivalent of trumpeter swans.
Swans in the Lower River, August 13, 2024:[]
Abbi S captured this video of swans observed in the lower river on August 13, 2024:
Swans in the Lower River - Kat’s River View on Explore.org 08-13-2024
video by Abbi S
Leslie captured this snapshot of the swans in Naknek Lake at Brooks Camp on August 13, 2024 (06:33 AKDT). Debi (Bearz) captured this snapshot of the swans in Naknek Lake (06:33 AKDT). smssy12 captured this snapshot of the swans observed in the lower river area on August 13, 2024 (06:34 AKDT). Debi (Bearz) captured this snapshot of the swans (06:34 AKDT). smssy12 also captured this snapshot (#2) of the swans (06:34 AKDT #2). Leslie captured this snapshot of the swans (06:34 AKDT).:
