 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Celebration of Swans April 12-20, 2008
Each spring thousands of swans and other waterbirds descend on M'Clintock Bay, Tagish, Johnson's Crossing and Kluane Lake in the spring migration. Each spring, Yukoners and visitors alike welcome these harbingers of spring by visiting them and taking in some events celebrating their return. Join us for some fun and great swan viewing.
For information on special Celebration of Swans events, see Schedule of Events.
For more information call (867) 667-8291 or e-mail wildlife.viewing@gov.yk.caThe Swans Return
For hundreds of years the areas that have the first open water have seen the early migrating waterbirds stop for a rest and refuelling during their long migration north. M'Clintock Bay, Tagish narrows, Johnson's Crossing, Nares River and Kluane River are the first places that are ice free in the early spring.
These places also have shallow water that allows swans access to roots of aquatic plants, their main food source during migration. Combine these factors with good visibility (and therefore safety from predators), and they become critical habitat for early migrating swans and other waterbirds keen to reach nesting grounds.
Swan Haven Interpretive Center
Swan Haven Interpretation Centre sits on the banks of M'Clintock Bay giving visitors excellent views of the bay and birds. Built in 1993 as a co-operative effort between Yukon Environment, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Girl Guides of Canada, this Interpretive Centre opens during April and early May.
Staff interpreters welcome visitors and provide insights into the swans life cycle and importance of these critical areas. Spotting scopes are set up so people can "look em in the eye" and identify the different species of birds that collect there.
To find the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre, wind your way to M'Clintock Bay, Marsh Lake. Drive south of Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway past the Yukon River Bridge, and turn right onto North M'Clintock Subdivision Road. Watch for the highway sign announcing Swan Haven. You'll find the Centre 2 km down that road.
Hours of operation for Swan Haven are 5:00pm to 8:00pm during weekdays, and noon to 7:00pm on weekends and holidays. School groups are received during weekdays. Call Environment Yukon's Wildlife Viewing program (667-8291) to book a school program.
Related links:
Yukon Department of Environment and their Celebration of Swans page.
Please Note: The links from these pages will take you to
other sites. Before you go, bookmark the home page,
or use the back arrow on your browser to come back later.