512 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



in the fall of 1913. On October 19 the first of the season, a flock 

 of 20, was seen. Another large flock seen on 22d, honking as they 

 flew. 



Usually the geese do not stop, or if they do, they do not tarry 

 long. Sometimes they alight in the open lake, or, when the lake is 

 frozen, they stop for a few hours in the open pools. At times they 

 remain in the lake until evening when they go to nearby wheat 

 fields where they remain until morning, when they resume their 

 migration. 



35. TRUMPETER SWAN 



OLOR BUCCINATOR (Richardson) 



A flock of five was seen on the lake November 19, 1900, and 

 again the next day. On March 31, 1901, a flock was heard flying 

 over early in the morning. On November 11, 1904, a flock of 36 

 alighted in the lake and remained three days, when they left, going 

 southward. 



There are few sights in the bird world more impressive than 

 that afforded by a flock of these magnificent birds whether a-wing 

 or swimming on the lake. Their flight is in a long line much like 

 that of geese. On a bright day the great white objects are almost 

 brilliant in the sunlight ; and even when the sky is overcast still they 

 are easily seen and are notable bodies against the darker back- 

 ground. When swimming the head and neck are held in a graceful 

 curve and every movement is with a stately dignity. 



They are quite alert, always on the qui vive. Upon the ap- 

 proach of a boat the necks are stretched to their full length, and 

 the great birds loom up immensely against the distant horizon or 

 background. To approach a flock cautiously and see this sudden 

 accession of tallness of the whole white squadron is a sight worth 

 traveling a long way to witness, and too fine and wonderful to spoil 

 with a gun. 



The Trumpeter Swan breeds from the Rocky Mountains to the 

 western shore of Hudson Bay and from the Arctic Ocean to about 

 latitude 60. It formerly bred as far south as northern Indiana, 

 and on the St. Clair flats in Michigan. It winters from southern 

 Indiana to Texas and from southern British Columbia to southern 

 California. 



The whistling swan (Olor Columbian^) , although occurring in 

 the Mississippi Valley during its migrations, has not been observed 

 at Lake Maxinkuckee. 



The swans feed chiefly upon vegetation and small mollusks and 

 are not in any way detrimental to fish-life. 



