"My head continues to spin thoughts of utter disbelief of what appears to be the deliberate killing of trumpeter swan P73. I have had the good fortune for a number of years to be of field help to Pat Manthey, the avian ecologist in charge of tracking and banding the re-introduced trumpeter swans in this area. Many of you have helped band the cygnets of P73 and X88.
The success of this pair, from introduction and in later years...spring arrival flights and nesting on their territorial lake to the adults guiding their young on their fall foraging circuit...it has all been a delight to watch and to hear for now nine years.
Many of you have responded today. We appreciate all your interest, comments, and willingness to use this event as a teachable moment in stewardship.
The limited details relayed to me are: P73 was shot on Sevenmile Lake a little over a week ago with a 22 rifle. The warden recovered the bird and it has been X-rayed. He may have a lead on the shooter.
Details about this swan can be supplied by:
Patricia Manthey
Avian Ecologist, Bureau of Endangered Resources
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
3550 Mormon Coulee Road
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608-789-5651 FAX: 608-785-9990
email: Patricia.Manthey@dnr.state.wi.us"
Sandy Gillum
Wildlife Ecologist
1875 Bald Eagle Lane
Eagle River, WI 54521
Email: ssgillum@nnex.net
Phone & FAX: 715-479-6051
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