For this week's contest I trawled through my photos to find some of the biggest birds that I've ever seen. Pelicans, swans, herons, storks...

I decided on this Trumpeter Swan I had the good fortune to catch up with here in Massachusetts. The Trumpeter Swan is a very rare vagrant in this state. During the early 20th Century it was hunted to near extinction in North America but over the last few decades its numbers have rebounded from 69 counted individuals to 30,000+ (The Cornell Lab). They remain susceptible to human encroachment, habitat loss, and lead poisoning.

This particular bird was alone and spending its time on a small parcel of agricultural land with some Canada Geese in a small pond before continuing its migration north/west. Here you can see how large it is compared to the common Canada Goose in the background.

Here are its measurements (also taken from the All About Birds website):

Bonus: Kori Bustard

I have seen the heaviest flying bird (42lbs+) in the world, the Kori Bustard, but alas the photo is less than spectacular. I also didn't see it fly :)

Thank you for reading.