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Thousands of Swans Arrive in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, During Spring Migration
Thousands of trumpeter and tundra swans have gathered at Riverside Park in Vanderhoof, B.C., as part of their bi-annual migration to the Arctic. The Nechako River Migratory Bird Sanctuary provides a protected resting and foraging area for the birds from March to early April. Local residents and visitors from northern B.C.
Apr 5, 8:00 AM·2m read1 source
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Thousands of trumpeter and tundra swans have arrived at Riverside Park in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, during their spring migration northward to the Arctic. The birds stop over in the area each year from March to early April, using the park along the Nechako River as a resting spot. This bi-annual event also occurs in the fall, with large numbers of swans gathering daily.
The Nechako River Migratory Bird Sanctuary, established in 1944 as a federally designated protected area, supports the swans by offering a safe environment to rest and forage in surrounding farm fields. Vanderhoof resident Paul Collard estimated that about 5,000 or more birds gather in the park each day during the migration period.
The sanctuary serves as a critical refueling point for the migratory birds on their journey.
Terrill Bodner, a photographer based in Prince George who has visited the site for more than a decade, reported observing a larger number of swans this year compared to previous visits. The swans typically spend early mornings on the ice and water in and around the park, fly to nearby farm fields in the afternoon, and return to the river to rest at night.
Collard noted that the sight is accessible to families, including parents and children, even for those not dedicated birdwatchers.
Trumpeter swans were once near extinction, with fewer than 70 wild individuals known in the 1930s due to overhunting for their plumage. The species had been listed as endangered. Gerd Erasmus, a retired biology teacher residing in Vanderhoof since 1973, stated that the population has recovered significantly, with numbers increasing annually.
Erasmus attributed the recovery to conservation efforts, including a key parcel of land at Lonesome Lake near Bella Coola and support from local trappers and farmers in the Nechako Valley who fed the swans. These deliberate actions contributed to the successful rebound of the population. The ongoing migration highlights the role of protected areas in supporting migratory bird species.
