Trumpeter swans invade Cleburne County lakes
CLEBURNE COUNTY — Trumpeter swans are back for the winter at Magness Lake, where the first of these magnificent birds showed up in Arkansas a quarter-century ago.
And this season’s viewing in the countryside east of Heber Springs is even better. That’s because sizable numbers of the largest North American waterfowl can also be seen up close at two other roadside lakes.
On a recent late afternoon, the two unnamed lakes along Hiram Road were each playing host to 75 or more trumpeters. There were three dozen or so at Magness Lake, along with myriad ducks of several species. Feeding stations of corn at the Hiram Road locations likely explains the larger number of swans gathered at those spots.
Given the threats to wildlife everywhere on a planet packed with more than 7 billion humans, the chance to see a species as distinctive as the trumpeter swan is a rare treat. Nearly driven to extinction a century ago, trumpeters now number an estimated 34,000, most commonly found in the Upper Midwest and Mountain states. Cleburne County is as far south as they’ve been known to migrate.
Magness Lake, where the first three trumpeters in Arkansas were spotted early in 1992, is owned by Pat Eason and her son Brian. When the swans are present, the Easons provide free access to the viewing site, with parking at a bend on Hays Road next to the lake. Only a waterfront wire fence separates curious humans from the swans.
To enrich the experience, there are two informational signs about the swans, which weigh up to 40 pounds and have wingspans as great as 8 feet. Trumpeters mate for life and live together typically with three or four youngsters, distinguished by gray or brownish plumage patches. The male is known as a cob, the female as a pen and the juveniles as cygnets.
Visitors are told to keep all pets in their vehicles. Climbing on the fence is forbidden, and only clean shelled corn should be fed to the fowl. They should not be touched, period.
Several miles southeast of Lake Magness, the swans along the north side of Hiram Road are present thanks to the diligence of Verlon Abram, a former Arkansas commander of the American Legion.
As owner of the 14-acre and 22-acre lakes that he created a half-dozen years ago, Abram has placed the corn feeders that attract the large number of trumpeters. There are no fences, and the swans are somewhat used to humans. Courtesy and common sense should persuade visitors to keep a respectful distance.
The reason for this respect is summed up on one of the Lake Magness signs:
“As with most other wild animals, the greatest threat to their survival is too-close encounters with man. We want them to feel safe and continue to winter here. With your help, we can enjoy these majestic wild birds for generations to come.”
To reach Magness Lake, drive east for about four miles on Arkansas 110 from its intersection east of Heber Springs with Arkansas 5 and 25. Turn left on Hays Road to reach the lake’s parking area in about a half-mile.
For the two unnamed lakes, go about 2 ½ miles east on Arkansas 110 from the Arkansas 5 and 25 intersection. Turn right on Hiram Road to reach the first lake in about four miles and the second in another mile.
Information on trumpeter swans is available at arkansas.com, audubon.org and wanderwisdom.com.