A group of seven whooper swans was seen on the Dalcheongang River near Itan Bridge in Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, on the morning of Jan. 21. The group, made up of adult birds and juveniles, moved together across the river surface while feeding.
Whooper swans usually inhabit large estuaries and lakes such as Hwajinpo lake, the Nakdonggang River, and the Geumgang River. Sightings of several individuals at the same time in an inland river like the Dalcheongang are relatively uncommon.
The swans glided calmly across the water while continuing to forage, and at times spread their large wings as if preparing for takeoff, showing generally stable behavior. The group included fully white adults as well as juveniles with brownish plumage.
The whooper swan is designated in Korea as an endangered wildlife species (Class II) and a Natural Monument. It is a winter migratory bird that visits the Korean Peninsula and is known to favor waters with stable water quality and reliable food sources.
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Source: Goesan-gun Office© Korea.info