The Cygnus buccinator can be found in the local freshwater lakes and rivers of Fremont County. Commonly known as the Trumpeter Swan because of its calls which are like the sound of French Horn, the swans were once almost driven to extinction in the early 20th century. They are one of Wyoming’s rarest nesting birds.
The Trumpeter Swan was once almost hunted to extinction in the 1930s, with fewer than 100 remaining in southern Canada, and a small population in the Yellowstone area. In Wyoming, they are designated as Species of the Greatest Conservation Need. Through the efforts of Wyoming Game and Fish, various conservation groups and private individuals, the Trumpeter Swans have rebounded.
Trumpeter swans are the biggest waterfowl in North America, with a wingspan stretching to six feet, and weighing more than 25 pounds. They are known for their snowy white plumage and black bills and feet. Fremont County is a key area for their breeding and wintering. They require nearly 300 feet to take off. They subsist mostly on plant material of aquatic plants and terrestrial grasses.
The swans are found throughout Fremont County, particularly around wetland areas like the Wind River Reservation. They are sensitive to human disturbance, so please use caution if you observe one in the wild. The population will increase beginning in November as more birds fly south from Canada for the winter.
The Dubois Museum displays wildlife of Fremont County and the Wind River region. The animals have been donated over the years for education purposes in the museum. Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Dubois Museum, the museum has recently acquired a second taxidermized trumpeter swan. The Friends of the Dubois Museum installed the swan in the Dennison Lodge because of the enormous wingspan of the bird. The Friends of the Dubois Museum and the Pioneer Museum in Lander had raised the funds to have the swan preserved. Wildfowl Unlimited Taxidermy in Florence, Montana mounted both swans. Mr. Streekstra of Wildfowl Unlimited Taxidermy has mounted nearly all trumpeter swans in the United States.
Next up for the Fremont County Museum
June 28, 10am with the Pioneer Museum, “Geology of Beaver Rim” Wind River Visitor’s Council Adventure Trek Series
June 28, 2pm at the Riverton Museum, “STEM Day” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
June 28, 10am with the Dubois Museum, “Historic Ramshorn Ranch Trek” Wind River Visitor’s Council Adventure Trek Series
June 29, 2pm at the Dubois Museum, “The Oldest Dinosaur in North America” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
July 2, 7pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Eagle Spirit Dancers” FC Pioneer Association
Oct 4, TBA at the Lander Community Center, “Rare Relics Roadshow” Wind River Cultural Centers Foundation
Call the Dubois Museum 1-307-455-2284, the Pioneer Museum 1-307-332-3339 or the Riverton Museum 1-307-856-2665 for detail regarding their programs.
The Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum need your financial support. In the current economic environment, the museums are more reliant than ever on donations from the private sector to continue to provide the quality programs, collections management, exhibits and services that have become their hallmark over the last four years. Please make your tax deductible contribution through the Wind River Cultural Centers Foundation www.windriverccf.com or by sending a check to Fremont County Museums 450 N 2nd Rm 320 or taking it directly to the museum you choose to support.
