Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society  

The Comox Valley is the winter home to 25% of the Pacific population of Trumpeter Swans in North America. Historically there are between 1500 and 2000 Trumpeter Swans within a 25-kilometer area surrounding our facility.

 In 2003, with a grant from Shell Canada Environmental Fund, we built a open-air, pre-release areas where the patient can strengthen muscle mass and be conditioned to the elements prior to being released. This fenced of 50 foot X 30 foot compound is ideal for waterfowl to forage and exercise in a more natural environment prior to release. This size make it impossible for a Swan to get air born but gives it enough space to excursive its wings.

 In 2005 thanks again to the support of Shell Canada and TimberWest we were able to install a pool large enough to enable the largest of the waterbirds in our care, the trumpeter swan, a place to clean itself on a daily basis. With an 8 foot wingspan, this bird will require a large pool although it does not need to be deep. After consulting with a horticulturist that builds water gardens, we decided that a 10 foot by 15 foot oval with a 3 foot depth would be the optimum size. It will have a gradual slope to allow for ease of entry and exit, and to accommodate any other species of water-fowl.