Swan Studies
The swan community at PJC lakes is thriving. While special to see, the high mute swan count challenges the overall ecosystem and other wildlife inhabitants. We are not alone in our pursuits and research on these beautiful birds; we've included a few articles below including discussion on the MSU research study.
In 2016, PJC signed a mute swan control permit with the Michigan DNR. We are able to do so when 70% of waterfront owners approve the permit. The permit lasted for 5 years (2017-2022). Starting 2023, we are in the process of gathering signatures to renew this petition. If you are a waterfront owner on Painter, Juno, or Christiana you will receive a permit request in the mail.
The following types of swans are present on Painter, Juno, and Christiana.
Have you spotted all 3?
Have you by chance seen any swans with green tags? These swans are being tagged by Michigan State Research Biologists on the swan population, migration, and inhabitant behaviors. The research can help us understand how best to control and at the same time support the birds of the State. It was shared at our last meeting that the State has over 8,000 Mute Swans and would prefer a population of 2,000 so that other species can maintain balance.
Photo Taken by Jen Sailor 7/7/18 on Christiana
Photo Taken by Jen Sailor "M087" on 7/7/18 on Christiana Lake.
If you missed the presentation on the swan study and the USDA Wildlife services to be performed, you can catch it here.
Click here to go to the Michigan DNR page full of information.
Mute Swan -
Mute Swans are not native to Michigan but have become a prominent swan. They were first introducted to North America from Europe adorning estate and national park ponds and have been spreading and growing ever since. There is a current Michigan State Study on these swans and our lake association and friends of PJC have worked to watch and at times allowed to limit this growing population.
Trumpeter Swan -
These swans are native Michigan residents but have had drastic population declines as the lakes have been inhabited. They are the world's largest water fowl according to the Michigan DNR website and form strong pair bonds that can last for years. Their nests are also typically very large at times 5 ft across! If you happen to spot one of these or a pair of them on the lake, consider yourself lucky! We hope to see more with the help of this species rehabilitation efforts by Michigan's part in the North American Restoration Plan.
Tundra Swan -
Many folks will call these beautiful birds the sign that Winter is on its way! They usually are spotted when travelling through our area to migrate South.
Photos by Wayne Falda at Seney Wildlife Nature Preserve, Seney, Upper Peninsula
Trumpeter Swan captured by Heidi Marvin