{"id":38748,"date":"2026-04-07T10:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T15:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?p=38748"},"modified":"2026-04-07T10:08:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T15:08:33","slug":"trumpeter-swan-named-2026-birdathon-bird-of-the-year-after-trumpeting-population-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/trumpeter-swan-named-2026-birdathon-bird-of-the-year-after-trumpeting-population-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Trumpeter swan named 2026 Birdathon \u2018Bird of the Year\u2019 after \u2018trumpeting\u2019 population success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

In this guest blog by freelance journalist Tammy Kilby<\/a>, learn about the trumpeter swan\u2019s incredible comeback story that led to the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/a> naming it the 2026 \u201cBird of the Year.”<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trumpeter-swan-flock-at-Bakkens-Pond-near-Spring-Green.-Photo-by-Don-Greenwood.jpg” alt=”Trumpeter Swan Flock At Bakkens Pond Near Spring Green.” title_text=”Trumpeter Swan Flock At Bakkens Pond Near Spring Green. Photo By Don Greenwood” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Trumpeter swan flock at Bakkens Pond near Spring Green. Photo by Don Greenwood<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Honoring the trumpeter swan through the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

One of the greatest comeback conservation success stories in Wisconsin is gaining some new attention with the naming of the trumpeter swan as this year\u2019s Birdathon \u2018Bird of the Year\u2019.<\/p>\n

The trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator<\/em>) is one of three swan species in Wisconsin, and one of the two that are native to the area. They are the largest of the three swan species. They stand about four feet tall and average more than 30 pounds each. Their white plumage gives them an almost angelic nature, especially when they stretch out in full wingspan, which can reach more than 7 feet.<\/p>\n

Trumpeter swans generally breed for life and tend to lay 5 to 9 eggs in their nest each year. Eggs are white in color and fill the palm of an adult human hand. They weigh approximately one pound each. While out in nature, the loud \u201ctrumpeting\u201d call will let you know that you are in the presence of this great and majestic bird.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trumpeter-swans-with-cygnets.-Photo-by-Robert-Haase.jpg” alt=”Trumpeter Swans With Cygnets.” title_text=”Trumpeter Swans With Cygnets. Photo By Robert Haase” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Trumpeter swans with cygnets. Photo by Robert Haase<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

NRF\u2019s support of trumpeter swan conservation<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Over the last 40 years, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) has made efforts to restore nature in the dairy state. In 1987, their flagship project supported the Trumpeter Swan Recovery Program to help bring back trumpeter swans to Wisconsin\u2019s skies. In honor of that project\u2019s success, NRF has selected the trumpeter swan as the 15th annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon \u201cBird of the Year\u201d.<\/p>\n

Once the trumpeter swan was discovered by early settlers, over-hunting and the demand for the swan\u2019s large, white, beautiful feathers almost brought the population to extinction in North America. In the mid-1980s, the Wisconsin wild trumpeter swan breeding population did not exist.<\/p>\n

The Wisconsin DNR wrote a recovery plan in 1986 and made efforts to bring back the trumpeter swan population. Biologists from Wisconsin flew to Alaska during 1989-1997 to collect a total of 385 wild swan eggs that were hatched at the Milwaukee County Zoo and placed into two primary recovery initiatives\u2014decoy-rearing, with cygnets (young swans) imprinted on a life-sized decoy at the zoo that later allowed University of Wisconsin interns to lead the cygnets out into a marsh setting using a floating camouflage blind.<\/p>\n

The second major technique was called captive-rearing, where cygnets were taken to an overwintering pond, their flight feathers wing-clipped, and the birds released at age 2 years at selected wetland sites in central and northern Wisconsin.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trumpeter-swans-in-flight.-Photo-by-Lindsey-Broadhead.jpg” alt=”Trumpeter swans in flight” title_text=”Trumpeter Swans In Flight. Photo By Lindsey Broadhead” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Trumpeter swans in flight. Photo by Lindsey Broadhead<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The rise of Wisconsin\u2019s trumpeter swan population<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Wisconsin recovery goal was to establish a breeding and migratory population of at least 20 pairs by the year 2000. That year, the population had already reached 44 nesting pairs. By 2009 the species was removed from the Wisconsin DNR’s endangered and threatened species list.<\/p>\n

The fate of trumpeter swans continues to be observed due to ongoing threats such as loss of wetland habitats, predation, possible lead poisoning, powerline collisions, and wanton shooting incidents, particularly during migration. The Wisconsin DNR has continued trumpeter swan population monitoring efforts using aerial surveys. The population now exceeds 15,000 individuals, according to the WDNR 2025 spring waterfowl survey.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trumpeter-swan-cygnets-young-of-the-year-in-the-water.-Photo-by-Christine-Tanzer.jpg” alt=”Trumpeter Swan Cygnets in the water” title_text=”Trumpeter Swan Cygnets (young Of The Year) In The Water. Photo By Christine Tanzer” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Trumpeter swan cygnets (young of the year) in the water. Photo by Christine Tanzer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Join the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon, which began in 2012, has raised more than $1 million for bird protection in Wisconsin. Now, after 15 years of success, the Birdathon will soon be underway, beginning this year on April 15.<\/p>\n

Part of the fun of bird watching is identifying a variety of bird species. 283 bird species were seen last year. Of those: 39 were listed as \u2018Species of Special Concern\u2019, 11 were named as \u2018Threatened\u2019 bird species, and 9 species of birds were listed as \u2018Endangered\u2019.<\/p>\n

Grab your binoculars and a friend and register for the Birdathon!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/great-wisconsin-birdathon\/” button_text=”Register for the birdathon” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2024-Birdathon-team-Grousewell-representing-Groundswell-Conservancy-birding-at-Patrick-Marsh.-Photo-by-Roberta-Herschleb.jpg” alt=”people birding next to a body of water” title_text=”2024 Birdathon Team \u201cGrousewell\u201d, Representing Groundswell Conservancy, Birding At Patrick Marsh. Photo By Roberta Herschleb” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

2024 Birdathon team \u201cGrousewell\u201d, representing Groundswell Conservancy, birding at Patrick Marsh. Photo by Roberta Herschleb<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

A conservation success story<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Conservation will always be something that has an everlasting impact on our lives. It has been an important part of preserving the world that we live in, and it will continue to make strides in moving us forward with each successful preservation for future generations.<\/p>\n

Not only does naming the trumpeter swan the 2026 \u2018Bird of the Year\u2019 honor the 15 years of the Great Wisconsin Birdathon, but it also celebrates one of the most successful conservation and wildlife recovery efforts in the state of Wisconsin. The bird to watch for is this year\u2019s species – the trumpeter swan. The large, majestic birds are now plentiful in the wild, and thriving in wetlands across the state.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trumpeter-swans-taking-off-from-a-lake.-Photo-by-Robert-Haase.jpg” alt=”Trumpeter Swans Taking Off From A Lake.” title_text=”Trumpeter Swans Taking Off From A Lake. Photo By Robert Haase” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Trumpeter swans taking off from a lake. Photo by Robert Haase<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Guest Blogger” image_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tammy-Kilby.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”close up of a woman smiling” title_text=”Tammy Kilby”]

<\/h4>\n

Tammy Kilby<\/h4>\n

Writer\/News Correspondent for Morris Multimedia<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Tammy Kilby enjoys writing stories that leave a positive impact on the world around her. Among her credits are two ‘Editorial in Conservation’ awards from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, which she received in March 2026. She enjoys taking part in bat counts, attending conservation activities, and supporting programs that encourage outdoor activities at Wisconsin State Parks.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Written by Tammy Kilby, original version published in the Republican Journal and the Richland Observer.<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Trumpeter Swan Webinar \u2013 Celebrating NRF\u2019s Flagship Project<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Join us for your lunch hour on Tuesday, April 21st to learn about one of Wisconsin\u2019s greatest comeback stories: the re-introduction and restoration of Wisconsin\u2019s Trumpeter Swan populations.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll hear from wildlife biologists that worked on this Herculean effort firsthand and learn more about the largest native waterfowl species in North America.<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> Tuesday, April 21 over the lunch hour 12 to 1pm<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Zoom Webinar<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_HGoSqgIuRTi2arpFWFSJtQ#\/” button_text=”REGISTER NOW” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

40 years of supporting bird conservation<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) has been protecting our state\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife since 1986. Bird conservation has been a huge part of the Foundation\u2019s work, from our early support of the Trumpeter Swan Recovery Program to establishing the Bird Protection Fund<\/a> in 2008 to support the highest priority conservation needs for Wisconsin\u2019s birds. To date, we\u2019ve put $1.8 million towards bird conservation projects.<\/p>\n

2026 marks the Foundation\u2019s 40th anniversary, and we invite you to celebrate with us all year long! Explore upcoming events, our interactive StoryMap highlighting the history of the Foundation, and more. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/40th-anniversary\/” button_text=”40 YEARS OF CONSERVATION” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”696″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The trumpeter swan\u2019s incredible comeback story led to the Great Wisconsin Birdathon naming it the 2026 \u201cBird of the Year.\u201d<\/p>\n Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":38779,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[898,696,694,39,16],"tags":[86,105,44,905,104,761,927,87],"class_list":["post-38748","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-40th-anniversary","category-featured","category-grants","category-great-wisconsin-birdathon","category-wildlife","tag-bird-conservation","tag-birdathon","tag-conservation","tag-endangered-species","tag-great-wisconsin-birdathon","tag-guest-blog","tag-trumpeter-swan","tag-wildlife"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTrumpeter swan named 2026 Birdathon \u2018Bird of the Year\u2019 after \u2018trumpeting\u2019 population success<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The trumpeter swan\u2019s incredible comeback story led to the Great Wisconsin Birdathon naming it the 2026 \u201cBird of the Year.\u201d\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/trumpeter-swan-named-2026-birdathon-bird-of-the-year-after-trumpeting-population-success\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Trumpeter swan named 2026 Birdathon \u2018Bird of the Year\u2019 after \u2018trumpeting\u2019 population success\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The trumpeter swan\u2019s incredible comeback story led to the Great Wisconsin Birdathon naming it the 2026 \u201cBird 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