Trumpeter Swans that winter in western Washington spend the summer in Alaska,  and Canada. They migrate south in mid to late October. The best time for viewing the swans is from mid-December to the end of February, according to the Trumpeter Swan Society.

The society’s website states that disturbance during winter and spring can lead to increased deaths from stress-induced disease and can result in nesting failure on northern breeding grounds. Swan observers should stay in the car, move slowly and quietly, and use binoculars, spotting scopes and telephoto lenses.