‘They’re quite the characters’: Tundra swans descend on southwestern Ontario

Tundra swans seen near the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area on March 11, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)

Signs of spring have landed in our area over the past few days.

Large numbers of tundra swans have arrived near Grand Bend and Aylmer.

Tuesday morning, swans frolicked and tussled on a pond in the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area.

Not far away, humans were doing the same atop a platform built to give them the best picture.

“As a photographer, I love to come out and get some light shots,” shared Helen Pattison, who seeks out the swans each year. “I’ve been here many, many times. And I just stand here sometimes and just listen to the sound of them when they come in. They just sound so, like, majestic. I love them.”

Tundra swans use this wildlife pond as a stopover during spring migration to the high arctic.

Their arrival is a standing vacation week for two men from the GTA. Their presence, alongside other out-of-area visitors, confirms the birds generate economic activity through tourism and hotel stays.

“I spend a few times a year to see them flying, and especially the way they, they come down to the wood on top of the ice. It’s fantastic,” shared Mike Zhou of Aurora, Ont.

For generations, the swans have gathered at the pond due to the water and an ample supply of corn.

As many as 3,000 have been spotted each year.

“I guess it’s just what they do,” shared Dorthy Heitman. “You know they leave here in winter and come back at the start of spring.”

Ken Lee of Ingersoll celebrated his 80th birthday atop the viewing platform. He has been coming to see his friends for years.

“They’re quite the characters. If you watch them closely enough,” said Lee.

With sightings along Greenway Road in Lambton County, more human faces are expected to peer through lenses before the swans continue their migration.

Until then, Lee said there’s still time to respond to their call.

“I love the sound and the sound they make,” he said with a smile.