Trumpeter swans were extirpated from most of North America during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Restoration efforts were initiated in the 1960s at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge at Martin, South Dakota, near the South Dakota/Nebraska state line. Trumpeter swans in the Sandhills of Nebraska are part of the High Plains flock and are considered a tier-one species in the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. The High Plains flock has expanded from their range across the Sandhills and continues to grow in number; however, few data are available regarding the biology and ecology for the species in Nebraska.

Trumpeter swans nest and raise young on Sandhills lakes and wetlands. Aerial survey data indicate that they primarily use the Niobrara, Snake, North and Middle Loup and Calamus rivers during winter. However, other areas may be used (e.g., Blue Creek) but have not been documented. Wind and energy projects proposed in the Sandhills may affect trumpeter swan movements and may cause increased mortality via strikes with power lines or degradation of wintering habitat. Information regarding movements of trumpeter swans within and between wintering sites would provide insights for managers to alleviate impacts of energy development as well as provide information for conservation planning. Recent studies were conducted on nesting trumpeters, using new technology to track movements and habitat use. Studies provided some of the initial information regarding trumpeter swans in Nebraska and have provided some interesting information on these birds. Trumpeter swan populations have also increased across North America, representing another wildlife restoration success.

Dr. Mark Vrtiska is currently professor of practice, wildlife management at the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to that, he was the waterfowl program manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for 20+ years and a regional biologist with Ducks Unlimited, Inc., in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Both past positions as well as his graduate and technician work have taken him across the U.S. and into parts of Canada studying waterfowl. Originally from Beatrice, Nebraska, Vrtiska received his bachelor’s degree from UNL, his master’s at Eastern Kentucky University, and Ph.D. from Mississippi State. When not working, Mark likes to take his dog Tessie hunting, reading history, watching Cornhusker sports, and interacting with grandkids.

Join Wachiska on Thursday, June 8, at 7:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A Street, for this free, public, in-person talk which will also be live-streamed at https://youtube.com/live/dMIyj6hYGa8. No registration is needed. The program can also be viewed at a later date. Check Wachiska’s website for links to past programs.

NOTE: Due to scheduling conflicts in June, there will not be a wetlands video following the regular program. These popular videos will resume at the July meeting following the picnic.