The Whistling Swan in James Bay and the Southern Region of Hudson Bay

Abstract

The whistling swan bred and moulted in the vicinity of trading posts on the south shores of Hudson Bay during the early years of the fur trade. They were extirpated toward the end of the nineteenth century, but some are returning under conditions of protection. They may be seen regularly during migration in the spring and fall on the south shores of Hudson Bay and on the shores of James Bay. In recent years they have bred on Cape Churchill, and three broods have been seen near the Ontario coast of Hudson Bay. Breeding swans have also been observed in western Ungava. The species appears to be reoccupying its former range.