Trumpeter Swans in Aurora, Visit To Harry Lumsden’s Pond

Sometimes I see Trumpeter Swans at the McKenzie Marsh and sometimes not. Once I was sitting with Matthew on the bench overlooking the marsh and when I looked up there was a slow flying swan above us.

What a spectacular view that was. Okay just one swan, but still – I never seen a flying swan before. A tip then – don’t ever forget to look up – you will never know what will pass above by you.



Perhaps I could call Harry Lumsden and ask if I can come and photograph swans at his pond. I discovered about Mr. Lumsden and his connection to Trumpeter Swan restoration program when I read about his Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement (more than 25 years).


I called Mr. Lumsden in May to schedule an appointment. To my surprise he asked me ‘Can you come now?‘. A piece of advice never call for visit around dinner time – you can be surprised as I was. I paused. ‘Can you come tomorrow?‘ – he asked again. ‘Okay, I can‘ – I replied. ‘Well then come anytime tomorrow. See you. Bey.‘ – he replied. ‘Yes I will see you tomorrow‘ – we concluded our short conversation.


We arrived next day. That day was a beautiful day – clear blue sky and perfect not over exposed sun light. The green dense trees behind the pond set for the green water background. Reflection was perfect – I couldn’t ask for better light, photographer’s best friend.


When we arrived Mr. Lumsden let us in on the property to look around and was back shortly after his first visitor left. He gave I and Matthew a quick tour and told me to get closer to the pond and away from the nets and feeders so I can get good photos of the swans without any obstructions.


Taking photos of the swans was quite an experience. We saw one on the nest and few floating around. Mr. Lumsden mentioned that one was missing, probably the one we saw in the Atkinson wetland right across the McKenzie marsh. We also saw a duck with babies, lots of Canada Geese, Blue Jays and Grey Blue Heron flying above.


We were also allowed to go and explore trails around the pond. Mr. Lumsden land is like a wildlife park. I really thought that it will be quick in and out visit, but we were there a good forty five minutes.


Prior to visit and even now I did some reading about Harry Lumsden’s work. It is quite amazing what he did – including telling us during our visit that he dig all three ponds himself and transform them what can I say – to a swan pond in Aurora.

In some of the reports and newsletters I also came across references to the a movie called Winged Migration, a documentary on the migratory patterns of birds shot over the course of three years on all seven continents. I shall check with our local library in Aurora if they have a copy to watch, sounds like great movie for bird watching enthusiasts.


Well not just birds that day. There were also beehives. This was my first time to see and to be that close to the beehive, and see honey bees in action.


That was an amazing adventure seeing larger population of Trumpeter swans, meeting Harry Lumsden and exploring his backyard ponds. I am planning to go back for Doors Open Aurora 2012 and may be I will be able to photograph baby swans (cygnets).