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Taken September 2000 Copyright

Lake Elkhorn has the following waterfowl

White Chinese Geese (2) (above) with their aggressive disposition and honking response, make excellent "watch dogs."

Mallard Duck (Many) PhotoOf all the elements the mallard drake contains in being recognized, its distinctive green head with a yellow beak gives it away. The female mallard duck, also known as a hen, has a different plumage of feathers. The female duck consists mostly of brown feathers with a touch of black mixed in.

Trumpeter Swan (2)
Swan skins were sold and used to make powder puffs in the flourishing wildlife trade in Europe. The adult trumpeter has snow white plumage with a black bill and feet. The trumpeter swan is one of eight swan species, the largest swan in the world. These 2 have clipped wings and can't fly away. Patty (below) is a Trumpeter swan who was named after Jim Rouse's wife.

Patty was originally paired with Jim (who died) then with Adam (who died). Her present mate has no name. Trumpeter swans mate for life, but when the mate dies, they often seek another mate.Trumpeter swans are the largest swans in the world. LEARN more about them.

Mute Swan (1) Photo
The mute swan is white with an orange bill that has a black knob at its base. The mute swan received its name for its silence (except when it is threatened --- then it hisses). I think this swan flew in and doesn't have clipped wings.

Canada Goose (Many) Photo
Few birds form family units like the Canada goose. They mate for life and both parents raise the young.

Other Ducks (Many)

Great Blue Heron (3) Photo This long-legged wading bird, stands 4 feet tall, has a wingspan of 6 feet, and ranks as the largest of North American herons and egrets.