Trumpeter of the North

It was a crisp, beautiful winter day at my local city park when I captured this moment. The air was cold, but the low golden light made the scene feel almost magical - a reminder that in winter here in the north, the sun never climbs very high, even at midday. As I watched this trumpeter swan glide across the icy blue water, I was in awe - this was the first time I had actually ever seen one in person. Over 20 years ago, I read Ralph Edwards of Lonesome Lake, a book that introduced me these extraordinary birds. Since then, they have always held a special place in my heart, symbolizing both beauty and resilience. Seeing one up close for the first time and capturing this image felt like a full-circle moment - a quiet tribute to the book that sparked my admiration all those years ago.