Rehabilitated trumpeter swan released to Wye Marsh after leg injury

A once injured trumpeter swan returns to the water at Wye Marsh in Midland, Ont. after weeks of recovery and care. (Lindsay Duquette)

An injured trumpeter swan spotted at Midland’s Wye Marsh in mid-December has returned to the wetland after several weeks of treatment and recovery.

Volunteers first noticed the unbanded swan struggling with an injured leg and arrangements were made to take the waterfowl to the National Wildlife Centre in Caledon for care.

Veterinarians say the swan had a leg fracture that had already begun to heal, making it impossible to reset the bone.

Despite the unfortunate injury, the swan showed gradual improvement in her mobility. After careful monitoring, she was returned to her natural habitat and was released back at Wye Marsh earlier this week.

Staff says that with the support from Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario, the creature has now been fitted with wing tag number U17, allowing conservation groups to track her movements over time.

Staff and volunteers say they are hopeful she will continue to regain strength in her leg and be able to take off and land normally by the spring time.

Visitors to Wye Marsh are encouraged by the team to stop by Swan Landing to see the overwintering swans, including lucky number U17.

The Wye Marsh Nature Centre opened back in 1969 as a nature centre operated by Environment Canada.