The Swans are Back! Where to Catch the Best Views in Arkansas

They're back! The beautiful Trumpeter swans have returned to their favorite spot on Magness Lake in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

Trumpeter Swans Have Returned to Their Favorite Landing Spot on Magness Lake

Since November, the Trumpeter swans have been making their annual migration from the Midwest of the United States to Northeast Arkansas. Now is the best time for birdwatchers to see these magnificent swans up close until February. The trumpeter swans journey to Arkansas for the winter months and have been doing it since the early 1990s.

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Trumpeter Swans Are Considered the Largest Waterfowl in North America

According to Arkansas.com, the Trumpeter swans are beautiful, snow-white birds with black bills and an 8-foot wingspan, and are the largest waterfowl in North America, weighing up to 35 pounds. They often get mistaken for a Tundra swan because they look eerily similar. Trumpeter swans are much larger, though, and can be identified by their deep, resonant, trumpet-like call, and can live up to 25 years. Perhaps that's where those words "Play Me A Swan Song" come from.

The best time of day for seeing the Trumpeter swans on Magness Lake is midday or late afternoon, as they are flying around looking for places to feed.

Did You Know There Are 3 Types of Swans in North America?

The Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, and Tundra Swan. The male swan is called a cob, and the female is a pen. Trumpeter swans were once rare and were an endangered species, but through intensive conservation efforts, they are on the rise.

READ MORE: Meet Arkansas's Largest Apex Predator

Places to Stay in Heber Springs, Arkansas

Heber Springs is just minutes from Greers Ferry Lake, one of Arkansas' most popular lakes for fishing and recreation. There are numerous campsites and cabins overlooking the lake and the beautiful Heber Springs Resort. The historic town of Heber Springs has a lot to offer visitors, with charming antique shops, unique restaurants, a museum, and Spring Park. Sugar Loaf Mountain has some of the scenic views in the state.