The trumpeter is the largest and rarest swan in the world. Their wingspan ranges from 7 to 8 feet and they can weigh up to 35 pounds. They are named for their call, which sounds very much like a trumpet. Hunted for their meat and feathers late in the 19th century, they were completely eliminated from the Eastern United States, and remained only in isolated areas of the western states, Canada, and Alaska. Trumpeter swans are currently being reintroduced in several areas around the Great Lakes.

The swan in this photograph had been feeding in a shaded pond. After feeding it trumpeted a few times and flew from the pond out into the sun. Water can be seen still dripping from the swan's wet feathers. The very dark green background is the reflection of trees on the water. Note that this image is very wide compared to its height.