Natural spectacle at Lake Dranser: Hundreds of whooper swans singing!

Natural spectacle at Lake Dranser: Hundreds of whooper swans singing!

Since Christmas, hundreds of whooper swans and wild geese have been gathering on Lake Dranser near Wittstock, a picturesque town in Brandenburg, for an impressive natural spectacle. Every evening, these magnificent birds enliven the surroundings as they take up their roosts, eliciting a striking concert of sounds. This impressive observation can best be enjoyed from the Blanschen nature campsite in Schweinrich. As the sun sets, a spectacle unfolds that captivates nature lovers and bird watchers. After a day of rest at night, the whooper swans and wild geese fly away again around 8 a.m. the next morning to look for sources of food.

Whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) are known for their pure white plumage and striking yellow-black beak. In contrast to the mute swan, they have a straight neck and their beak section is designed differently, which makes identification easier. These elegant migratory birds are common throughout Europe, often migrating to the milder regions of Central Europe during the winter months to escape the harsh winters in their breeding grounds in Northern Europe and Siberia. Their song, a deep, nasal call, is not only distinctive but also a sign of their sociable nature outside of the breeding season.

Habitat and diet of whooper swans

During the winter, whooper swans feed primarily on aquatic plants, grasses and grains. This feeding takes place primarily in shallow water areas, tundra and raised bogs. Their breeding areas are mainly in the Eastern European and Siberian taiga, while they can be found in coastal areas and inland areas during the winter months. The whooper swans are also characterized by a large wingspan of up to 235 cm, which helps them during their long winter flights.

What is particularly exciting is that among the whooper swans gathered on Lake Dranser, some Bewick's swans were also spotted. These animals are rare in the region and have their breeding areas in northern Russia and Siberia. The sight of these rare guests enriches the observation experience even more and attracts many nature enthusiasts.

About the Whooper Swan

The whooper swan belongs to the duck family (Anatidae) and reaches a size of around 160 cm. In Germany and many other countries, the mute swan is the best-known representative of its species, but the whooper swan has become increasingly popular. In recent years, increasing numbers have been recorded again and again, which is reflected in the breeding population in Germany. In 2005, experts counted only 21 breeding pairs, but fortunately the population has increased in recent years.

When the breeding season begins between April and June, females typically lay 4 to 7 eggs, which are incubated for about 36 days. The chicks are precocial and follow their mother immediately after hatching. In the wild, whooper swans can live up to 10 years, and even longer in captivity.

These impressive birds are not only a delight for nature watchers, but also an important part of the ecosystem in their habitats. The sight of whooper swans and wild geese on Lake Drans is an impressive example of the wonders of nature and is definitely worth experiencing. The spectacle will last for some time, as the whooper swans usually only leave for their breeding grounds in February.

For further information about whooper swans and their habitat, please refer to the reporting by maz-online.de, the interesting details of brodowski-fotografie.de and comprehensive information wikipedia.de.