The largest and most rare swan in North America. Thanks to reintroduction programs, these beautiful giants of the bird world are making a recovery. They were driven from their eastern ranges as we drained more and more of their nesting habitat - wetlands.

Thanks to some insider information, Betsy's dad took us right to the spot where a small flock of these amazing animals has been wintering on the PA/Ohio border. We saw a total of 8 swans. 7 had large bands on their necks and smaller bands on their legs - clearly part of the reintroduction program. The above swan, however, was evidently a straggler from further west who found the flock and decided to join them. This good fortune and some very nice light provided me with a a great opportunity to get photos of a naturally appearing member of the species.

Thanks Mark, this will surely go down as one of the most interesting wildlife encounters of not just 2005, but ever!