Trumpet Swan

A single trumpet swan glided across the still water, a vision of grace among the reeds and open sky.

Two Forest Service personnel, thigh-deep in the chilly wetland, were out checking for “wells” when they spotted the swan. Wading a little farther in, they froze, almost holding their breath as the bird swam closer. For a moment, they worried their clumsy splashes would scare it off, but the swan drifted peacefully, seemingly unbothered by their presence. The swan tilted its head, giving them a brief, curious look before resuming its slow journey through the reeds.

They exchanged a glance, knowing they’d just shared one of those rare, quiet moments with nature that made all their hours in the mud and water more than worth it.