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Dec. 15, 2023 | By: Jeremy Werner
As winter settles in, western Missouri becomes a haven for the majestic trumpeter swans, making their annual visit to wetlands and lakes.
Once on the brink of extinction due to hunting and habitat loss, conservation efforts have led to their resurgence. These all-white giants, North America's largest waterfowl, now migrate southward, offering stunning sightings in places like Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Forest City, where almost 3,000 were counted on December 5th. Conservation areas and private lakes also host these swans, a testament to successful preservation initiatives.
The Missouri Department of Conservation says residents can enjoy their graceful presence and distinctive honks throughout the season.