Trumpeter?

First the critique.

You got a pretty good angle on the bird and handled the whites/detail on the neck in particular quite well. It would be best to see the reflection instead of the empty space up top. One common mistake when photographing a big bird like this is to leave the focus on centerpoint and get the head in focus - which of course is what you want to do. The problem is that it throws off the composition, so the focal point should be adjusted for better composition which would have allowed for a full reflection.

Now for the ID. I can say with near certainty that this is a Tundra swan. I base this on the absence of the pink line along the beak and the fact that you saw 1 other Tundra. Swans are often seen in pairs, so it is much more likely you would have a pair of Tundra swans, as opposed to a not so common Tundra swan and a very rare Trumpeter Swan. Additionally, a pair of Tundra swans have been reported at that location earlier in the week, so, sorry to disappoint but it's a Tundra.

- Luke

Jimmie, I like the angle of the bird and the nice head turn. The comp would be much stronger with a lot more space on the right and much less on the left as the bird is looking to the right. From the vege at the bottom I take it there was probably no more reflection to be had so the room up top is fine IMO. The bird overall is a bit soft and a catchlight in the eye would have helped liven up the bird more. Just some suggestions for the future.

Jimmie,

Ron B. covered every thing I would have addressed, so I will just say I echo his comments.

I agree with the others about the composition..

.I'm also wanting to say this isn't a tundra swan, but a mute swan. A tundra swan has a black bill and usually a yellow spot in front of the eye. This bird does not have a black bill and has a knob on top of the bill. While this image doesn't show the characteristic orange bill of a mute swan, it could be an immature one, but I'm also wondering why the entire image is lacking color, did you convert it to black and white?

Jimmie -

Nice photo and interesting comp. I agree with Ron on his suggestions.

I've got to disagree with Luke; This is a Mute Swan. A two-toned bill - black and grey - is a very good field mark fro a sub-adult Mute Swan. Additionally, a Trumpeter has a wedge-shaped bill, like you'd use to split wood; a Tundra and a Mute Swan have a "ski-jump profile." A Tundra always has yellow on its bill (the bill itself in a sub-adult; the base of the bill in an adult). So, by elimination, a Mute Swan.

I'd go with the Mute Swan for ID. I also agree with the suggested composition.

I stand corrected! I let the knowledge of Tundra Swans being seen at this location (and my complete lack of experience seeing them) get in the way. But at least I was right in explaining it wasn't a Trumpeter!

- Luke

Whatever the species it's certainly a beautiful swan Jimmie. I do wish for a bit more sharpness and that the bird were further to the left in the frame.