Bird watchers are all aflutter for a rare swan that has swooped up residence in Brooklyn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Borough residents have recently noted the majestic bird\u2019s new whereabouts, with several reporting sightings in the East River off of Williamsburg, and Prospect Park.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Sunday, I dragged myself away from the famed Staten Island St. Patrick\u2019s Parade to visit NYC\u2019s latest feathered celebrity \u2014 a Trumpeter Swan loafing off a fast-ferry dock in Williamsburg, Brooklyn,\u201d John J. Gavrity posted in Facebook\u2019s New York City Bird Photographers group. \u201cIt didn\u2019t take long to find; it seemed like every passerby was stopping to photograph this stunner, phones up and Instagram-ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
The trumpeter swan is the first to ever be spotted in NYC. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post<\/p>\n
According to Allaboutbirds.org<\/a>, trumpeter swans are America\u2019s biggest native waterfowl, spanning six feet in length and weighing over 25 pounds. Their breeding grounds are on wetlands in Alaska, Canada and northwestern coastal and inland waters.<\/p>\n In addition to their all-black bill, they are recognized by their distinctive trumpet-like call and long, elegant neck.<\/p>\n According to information acquired by<\/a> Hell Gate<\/a>, experts say that prior to now, there have been no recorded sightings of this bird in NYC. It is also one of only two swans native to North America. Local birders quickly reported the sightings to the Wisconsin-based Trumpeter Swan Society, who were surprised by the bird\u2019s appearance as well.<\/p>\n \u201cI can confirm it is a trumpeter swan,\u201d Margaret Smith, executive director of the Trumpeter Swan Society, told Hell Gate. \u201cIt is a very rare sighting. I\u2019ve never received any reports of trumpeter swans in New York City, and so it was pretty exciting, actually, to get those reports.\u201d<\/p>\n This trumpeter swan (with the all-black bill) is speculated to be mating the European swan, though expert Margaret Smith believes this is unlikely. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post<\/p>\n A New Yorker stopping to check out the rare trumpeter swan. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post<\/p>\n Smith speculated that the likely adolescent swan has presumably come from Ontario, and may even be looking for love \u2014 having been spotted with one of Brooklyn\u2019s common mute swans.<\/p>\n However, this possibility is not the most likely.<\/p>\n \u201cMy guess is that the young swan was exploring the area and probably saw the mute swan \u2014 saw a big white bird \u2014 and probably thought, \u2018It\u2019s a fellow swan,\u2019\u201d Smith added to Hell Gate. \u201cTrumpeter swans are social creatures.\u201d<\/p>\n The bird has a distinct black bill. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post<\/p>\n People taking photos of the swan in the East River near the North 6th Street ferry stop in Williamsburg. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post<\/p>\n