The wonders of Mother Nature take many forms, and in Peru, New York folks are flocking to the lake shore for what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Ausable Point State Park is a popular place to see wildlife. In fact, there are signs that point out what you can expect to see. But what is drawing crowds to this shoreline these days, are visitors who are totally unexpected.
"We saw an article that these Tundra Swans were down here at Ausable, so I do photographs a lot and I decided to come down and se if we can get a couple of snaps of them," said Donald Donah of Morrisonville.
Wildlife biologists say the Tundra Swan is rarely seen here. It normally migrates through to its wintering spot in the Carolinas, but to have them stay for weeks now, is unprecedented. They believe the swans are two adults and a juvenile. And by the way, the Tundra Swan mates for life.
"Oh absolutely gorgeous -- absolutely. What a beautiful place. We are lucky to have these -- very lucky," said Julie Clark of Plattsburgh.
Usually this part of Lake Champlain is frozen, but because of the mild winter the lake is open, perhaps luring the swans. Serious bird watchers consider the Tundra Swan to be a "life bird," meaning it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one in person. Quite a sight among the Canada Geese and ducks.
"Only problem is, there is more butts up then heads up," commented Ruth Guglielmo of Keeseville.
Donald Donah says this is the perfect chance to get his young son interested in wildlife. "I wanted to get him interested in nature when he is young so we can get him away from the video games and out into the world," he said.
By the end of February to mid March the Tundra Swan heads back north, to the Arctic tundra to breed. But who knows if these visitors will stay that long, or be gone tomorrow -- another one of Mother Nature's mysteries.
