Posted by Ranger Sally (165.83.5.15) on October 09, 2003 at 13:28:54:
In Reply to: Learning to Fly posted by Amanda McCabe on October 09, 2003 at 13:06:09:
: Why do Trumpeter Swans learn to fly when they are only 4 to 5 months old?
Hi Amanda--thanks for your question. Trumpeter swans learn to fly when they are still very young because it's necessary in order to survive the winter. Migrating swans must be able to leave the far north to return to areas where there is open water and available food. Yellowstone residents must be able to change locations as local areas become frozen over and seek locations which are still open.