Before European settlers made their way into Ohio country, the resonant call of trumpeter swans, North America’s largest waterfowl, echoed across area wetlands. The call of a trumpeter swan is often described as similar to the notes of a French horn. The call is very resonant and trumpet-like, hence the name trumpeter swan and term swan song.

Here is a mute swan, with her cygnet (baby), and is an undesirable exotic species from Europe that competes for food and habitat with native waterfowl species. Mute swans are very aggressive. Mute swans are often confused with the trumpeter swan but have an orange bill and a distinct black knob.

The great blue heron stands nearly four feet tall. It has a whitish head with black plumes that originate just above its eyes and project out behind its head. One of the largest bird species in Ohio, there was a time when heron numbers dwindled as the feathers were a favorite of the millinery trade during the 1800s.

The great blue heron is often observed motionless, as seen here, unlike other predators that actively stalk on foot or wing, the great blue heron takes the complete opposite approach–it stands still, watching the water for a fish. Then in the blink of an eye, in a sharp and seamless movement it will snare its prey.

Male herons are the first to arrive at the previous year’s nest. Later after females arrive, courtship rituals are initiated between pairs. The birds will dance in circles and nibble at each others’ feathers. The female will often urge the strutting males on by croaking in response to their actions.

Camping at East Harbor State Park was fun and allowed many opportunities for photographs. This sunset over the middle harbor near the swimming beach.