Record Number of Whooper Swans Winter in Altai Krai
In Altai Krai this year, a record number of wintering whooper swans have been recorded. According to ornithologist Alexei Ebel, as reported by NGS22.RU, 1,892 birds were counted at traditional wintering sites in the region.
«The increase in numbers is primarily due to a significant proportion of young birds — this year there are more than 30%, while previously it was about 13% in normal years. Probably, the year was successful for breeding», the specialist noted.
The main observation points were the «Lebediny» (Swan) Nature Reserve and the area near the Molodezhny settlement, located near Biysk. The choice of these places is not accidental: their proximity provides swans with the opportunity to freely move in search of food and unfrozen water bodies, which is critically important for their survival in the winter period.
This wintering has surpassed all previous records. The total number of whooper swans that stopped in the reserve and in the vicinity of Biysk reached 1,892 birds. The previous record was set in 2024, when 1,709 individuals were counted, and in 2025 there was a slight decline — 1,527 birds.
In addition to whooper swans, ornithologists recorded a slight increase in the number of wintering mallards. However, the number of goldeneyes, on the contrary, decreased. The probable reason for this decline is the freezing of water bodies that this species of bird prefers.
Among the rare guests spotted this season, it is worth noting the bean goose, which chose the vicinity of the Molodezhny settlement for wintering. In the reserve, seven mute swans and a smew were also discovered.
A small number of waterfowl are also wintering in other corners of the region. Particular interest this year was aroused by the observation of a wintering water rail on the spillway of the Gilevskoye Reservoir. This small and secretive wetland bird, which is a relative of cranes, is extremely rarely encountered in the winter period in Altai Krai, although this is not the first, but still an extremely rare encounter.
