The Trumpeter Swans winter at Magness Lake and the ponds on Hiram Road from mid-November through late February. The swans are visible to birders and other visitors who enjoy seeing the largest of North America’s waterfowl.
Why do they come to this one small spot in Arkansas, east of Heber Springs and far from their normal range? The Trumpeters are residents of the upper Midwest and aren’t found anywhere else in this part of the country, except in isolated incidents. It is believed the first three Trumpeters showed up because a storm had forced the big birds well south of their wintering area. The swans now return yearly.
The swans are located at Magness Lake, which is an oxbow off the nearby Little Red River. The swans can also be seen at Verlon Abram’s ponds on Hiram Road. They share the space with Canada geese, several mallards, and a few various species of other ducks, along with some domestic geese.
The lake, ponds, and the surrounding areas are privately owned, with locked gates. Visitors may view the swans from the provided parking areas.
- Clean shelled corn is the only recommended feed.
- Do not leave any trash.
- No dogs allowed out of your vehicle.
Chances of seeing numbers of the trumpeter swans are best in late afternoons. During the day, they roam around in small groups, feeding in spots sometimes miles away. But they return to the lake before dark.
