First recorded sighting of once near-extinct swan species

On Tuesday, Brooklyn recorded its first-ever documented sighting of a Trumpeter Swan. (WABC via CNN Newsource)

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City is a big place, with a lot going on, but somehow we get to celebrate some “firsts.”

On Tuesday, Brooklyn recorded its first-ever documented sighting of a Trumpeter Swan.

“I’ve never seen one before. It was really exciting, and when I heard about it, I had to come down and take a look,” bird lover Mariah Tarvainem said.

The swan was enjoying the East River by the North 5th Street Pier and Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

“I personally have never gotten a Trumpeter reported from New York City. So this is the first time,” Margaret Smith said.

Smith is the Executive Director of the Trumpeter Swan Society based in Minnesota.

The organization is dedicated to the vitality and welfare of Trumpeter Swans who neared extinction about 100 years ago.

In 2015, there were nearly 70,000 living in places like Canada, Alaska, Montana and even Upstate New York.

They’re easy to identify.

“The mask comes to the eyes, and then Trumpeter Swans have what’s called a ‘red lipstick.’ You see that red lipstick?” Smith said.

So why is the swan here? It is likely pretty young and on its first solo expedition away from its family. It’s decided to check out the big city as teens are prone to do.

It was hanging out with another swan that is a different species.

“What you are seeing there is really a blessing, the gift of the people around you, states around you who cared enough to bring back this bird that was on the brink of extinction,” Smith said.

“How do we invite more? Send out a signal, bring them all,” one passerby said.

By Lauren Glassberg.