A Chilly Morning with Trumpeter Swans on the St. Croix River

Last week I had the pleasure of spending a very chilly and windy morning along the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin—one of my favorite areas for late-season wildlife activity. The cold air rolling off the water set the tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable wildlife shoot featuring Trumpeter Swans and a variety of ducks.

The Sound of Winter Wildlife

If you’ve never been close to a group of Trumpeter Swans, their presence is extraordinary. At times, the sound of their calls was absolutely deafening, echoing across the river and cutting through the wind. But for me, that’s part of the magic—those wild, unfiltered moments where you feel completely immersed in their world.

Witnessing Nature’s Raw Energy

During the shoot, I was lucky enough (and close enough) to witness a spontaneous fight between two swans. The intensity of the interaction surprised me. Their size and power become unmistakably clear when you watch them defend territory or hierarchy. It was more violent than I expected, yet exactly what reminds me why I love photographing wildlife: nature is honest, dramatic, and unscripted.

And of Course… the Ducks

Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for ducks. Between the swan activity, I managed to capture several great shots of them as well—busy feeding, flying, and interacting along the river’s edge. They may not be as imposing as swans, but they bring their own charm and personality to the scene.

Coming Soon to the Gallery

This outing was another wonderful reminder of why wildlife photography continues to inspire me. I’m excited to share that some of these new images will likely be available soon—both as prints in our Downtown Hayward, WI gallery and online for those who follow my work from afar.

Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for continuing to support and follow my wildlife photography adventures. There’s always something new waiting out there in the wild.