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Trumpeter Swans Build Nest in Montana Wildlife Refuge

Biologists hope will lead to the first offspring documented in the Bitterroot Valley following restoration efforts

By Justin Franz

STEVENSVILLE — Trumpeter swans have built a nest in a western Montana wildlife refuge that biologists hope will lead to the first offspring documented in the Bitterroot Valley following restoration efforts.

The Ravalli Republic reported Friday that the large waterfowl couple constructed the nest on top of a muskrat lodge on a remote pond at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

Refuge project leader Tom Reed says he discovered the nest last week.

Reintroduction efforts began decades ago after the swan population was decimated by hunters and feather collectors.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes wildlife director Dale Becker says 60 trumpeter young were recorded from about 18 nests in Montana last year.

He says the young usually appear right after Memorial Day, but this year they’re a bit late.