Tundra Swan in Humboldt County

Historically established in Northern California, the Tundra Swan still remains in Humboldt County. The highest observed flock numbers from a citizen science of the Christmas Bird Count was over 1500 swans. The fact that they have fidelity to their non-breeding grounds keeps them coming back to stop along the Pacific Flyway in Humboldt County. Two common locations they are situated at is Eel River and the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge. The map to the left, demonstrates how the densities found of the swans. These swans, like the Aleutian Cackling Geese and the Black Brant Goose have collars in order to see population dynamics. So for all the birders out there, look out for the blue collars shown below!
Regardless of the time, if a at least 1% of a population uses a site, then it is considered important to the population. Humboldt Bay and Eel River are of can be considered of population importance because some years there can be over 1,000 birds present at one time which is accumulated to about 1.1% of the total population.