Washington biologists see spike in trumpeter swan deaths

SEATTLE — Wildlife biologists say trumpeter swans have returned to Washington for the winter, but there has also been a spike in the number of swans dying from collisions with power lines.

KOMO-TV reports that biologist Martha Jordan recently collected more than six swan carcasses in the Skagit County community of Conway.

Jordan says the stormy weather like high winds and fog make the birds more likely to hit the wires.

She says swans mate for life and remembers crying during when she had to pick up one male who hit power lines. Jordan found his mate walking toward his dead body with two young birds.

She says the collisions can also cause power outages and are costly for utility companies, so reflectors are installed on power lines in the region.