Here are a couple of summer residents we ran across the other day while checking out a fishing spot for the opening day of trout season Saturday. Looks as though they are pretty well settled in now.
They picked a safe and very pleasant place to raise their family this year.
Mother nature even did a little decorating for them.
Montana Outdoors 
The swans are very lovely. It looks quite rugged and isolated. Hey, trout fishing? Yum. Our trout streams are running fast this year – waters high. Haven’t seen many have good luck.
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Comment by Bo — May 14, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
Our water is high too as it always is this time of year. Near this spot is a great place for Northern Pike, but when my son was fishing for them (Pike season is all year) he hooked but lost a monster rainbow. Sometime this weekend I’ll try for that one! I tied a couple of special flies yesterday for him.
Saturday I’ll try Thompson River. It runs high in the spring but clear and the big trout go up there to spawn this time of year and many are in the 3-4 pound range.
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Comment by montucky — May 14, 2008 @ 8:40 pm
Stunning. As beautiful as they are alone, the bright white of their feathers and the shade of blue of the water are a lovely contrast.
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Comment by WordVixen — May 15, 2008 @ 12:43 am
They have chosen a gorgeous nesting site. Beautiful pictures of beautiful birds.
Good luck with the fishing this weekend!
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Comment by Sara — May 15, 2008 @ 7:33 am
Wordvixen,
I’ve always loved to see them. A swan is one of the few wild critters that doesn’t depend on camouflage for protection, and therefore very nice to watch.
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Comment by montucky — May 15, 2008 @ 7:42 am
I guess they know what they’re doing, Sara. This spot has very little traffic, lots of waterways and food is plentiful. I enjoy knowing that they are wild and free and chose this spot for the summer above all others.
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Comment by montucky — May 15, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Beautiful animals in a beautiful spot. You have inspired me again – I’m heading out hiking this weekend, rain or shine!
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Comment by wolf — May 15, 2008 @ 8:37 am
Good idea Wolf! I bet your area is getting gorgeous this time of year! Wish I could see it.
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Comment by montucky — May 15, 2008 @ 9:35 am
These swans are gorgeous and I just love their new “digs!” 😀
I only get to see tundra swans once in a great while during migration, otherwise, we have mostly mute swans.
Oooo! Trout fishing. I hope you get the chance to take some photos again like you did last year … just so that the rest of us can drool!
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Comment by Janet Wilkins — May 15, 2008 @ 10:45 am
Beautiful! Both that you got the opp to see them and that you shared them with us. Also the wildflower shot as well is gorgeous. I loved this post. One day I hope to run into swans as well. Great post! p.s. also congrats on seasoning opening!
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Comment by aullori — May 15, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Janet,
I’m pleased that these birds chose this spot for their summer. It appears to be an excellent choice for them and it’s good to know that they feel comfortable here. We’re doing something right!
I’ll be sure to take the camera fishing with me. There’s always something worthwhile to see out there. I’ve been hoping for a good look at a moose this summer.
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Comment by montucky — May 15, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
Lori,
I hope you do see some swans. I can remember even when I was a boy seeing them was special. They were one of my mother’s favorites.
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Comment by montucky — May 15, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
nice place. swans scare me now since my mom was attacked about five years ago….
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Comment by silken — May 16, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
I guess they can get militant, although there’s no way I can think of that these would let anyone get close to them. I’ve seen domestic geese get aggressive.
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Comment by montucky — May 16, 2008 @ 5:04 pm