Swans returned to Mirror Lake

City of Camrose staff released four trumpeter swans back onto Mirror Lake April 17.

The swans spent the winter in a state-of-the-art indoor facility.

"We put them back on the lake as soon as there are enough open water bodies," said Camrose parks senior supervisor Kim Vassberg.

The City will be releasing two Polish mute swans, including one that  just arrived from Abbortsford, onto Duggan Pond.

Polish mute swans are distinguished by their orange beaks.

"They don't make the trumpeting sound like the trumpeters," said Vassberg. "It is more of a hiss."

Swans have been gracing Mirror Lake since 1962, when the City of Halifax donated a pair of Polish mutes affectionately known as Hal and Faxi. Today, Camrose is still very well-known for its beautiful landscapes, complemented by picturesque swans on local waters. Camrose continues to maintain a close relationship with both the Canadian Wildlife Service and Friends of Elk Island Park Society, and has participated in various swan education and conservation initiatives over the past several years. The City of Camrose often assists conservation efforts by welcoming orphaned or injured birds into its winter facilities.

Camrose residents are reminded that swans are wild and unpredictable creatures, and that they should be careful when approaching them.