The Trumpeter/Tundra Swan found yesterday by Tito continued at the far east end of Batiquitos Lagoon today from at least 6:45 to 9:45. The bird moves around a lot and hides in the reeds for extended periods of time. It never came close to any vantage point that I could find. First spotted from El Camino Real just north of La Costa Avenue, then seen from the north side (Chollas Point?), then disappeared for over 30 minutes, then spotted again from El Camino Real and then it headed due west. So we tried from the “normal” trailhead/overlook on Batiquitos Drive (hotspot) and were unsuccessful.

I’m hoping someone with good digiscoping skills is able to get some good ID shots. I did not see any yellow on the bill/face through the scope, despite seeing it from many angles and in different light.

My eBird list is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S98193322
Description: Too distant to determine which it is. Bill looks entirely black in scope. Cannot tell relative bill size/shape. Black appears to pinch down and barely touch the eye giving the impression the eye is almost isolated from the black.

If anyone would like to experience a little bit of the frustration of looking at a too-distant swan for three hours, here is my Flickr album of 45 very distant, blurry, grainy attempts to photograph this bird: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXci6P7

Enjoy!

David Trissel
San Diego, CA