Swans in the Frosty Sky of Leningrad Region

A flock of swans was spotted over Lake Pionerskoye at the end of January. Biologist Pavel Glazkov explained why these birds are staying to winter in the region.

Mar 9, 2026

The video captures a flock of more than a dozen swans in flight over a frozen lake.
Source:
reader of «Fontanka» Konstantin

On Saturday, 31 January, a flock of more than a dozen swans flew over Lake Pionerskoye in the Vyborg District of Leningrad Region. An eyewitness captured this moment and shared the video.

Glazkov«s insights highlight how whooper swans adapt to winter conditions in northern regions.

«Spring is coming soon. Lake Pionerskoye,» commented the observer.

To explain the situation, biologist Pavel Glazkov, author of the Telegram channel Kazhdoy Tvari Po Pare (meaning «A Pair for Every Creature»), was consulted. He identified the birds as whooper swans, the majority of which nest in the tundra and forest-tundra.

«In the last 10 years, these whooper swans have started to stay with us for winter. Every year, about 50 birds winter in our area around the Vuoksa River. There are riffles there that do not freeze. They also sometimes winter in the Vyborg and Finnish Gulfs when there is open water,»

Glazkov reported.

According to the specialist, the current flight could have been caused by the onset of cold weather, due to which some areas of open water froze, and the swans went in search of new places for wintering.

At this time, severe frosts are expected in the region. It is forecast that in St. Petersburg, the temperature could drop to –20°C (–4°F), and in Leningrad Region, to –30°C (–22°F).