I just wanted to let everyone know that the Town of Smiths Falls (near Ottawa) decided to purchase a pair (m+f) of Bewick's Swans to hopefully keep the geese away from the canal/campground/park area in town. They initially said they were purchasing 2 mute swans (and they may still think that's what they have, who knows), but what is in the canal are Bewick's. They are pinioned, not wing tagged, but apparently they do have leg bands. They are a male and a female and the town's people are hoping that they will breed. They are going to be kept somewhere indoors each winter. So, if you see these birds reported, they are not wild, but captive born/raised. As to what any offspring they may have would be counted as, I'll let the experts tells us that for next year. Good birding,Kim ClarkVictoria Park in Smiths Falls between the 2 locks. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
