Certain, known for sure; established beyond doubt.

In recent years a certainty of nature has become a significant value to me. It is known for sure. This natural event occurs each spring and again every fall. It is predictable, I watch for it. My wish is to share this guaranteed nature event with you, even if only through pictures, that you may profit from it.

Where I live in central North America, the event is already past. Mild spring weather hastened this annual migration event. This spring, life events and weather conditions allowed my eyes only one view of these magnificent birds on their way to the Arctic for the process of nesting and raising the next generation. This migration event is certain.

We like sure things.

There is comfort in certainty.

When things are certain, they are clear and evident.

Certain things are dependable.

There is guarantee in certain.

Tundra Swans often mix with vast migrating flocks of Snow Geese.

Tundra Swans in their annual migration flight are as reliable and dependable as sunrise and set. The Tundra flocks come from their winter habitat on the east coast and begin the journey north just as the sharp cold of winter turns to the mild air of spring. These resplendent white birds will wing their way through West Central Minnesota with their final stopping point around 66° North Latitude. Another name for this imaginary ring round earth is the Arctic Circle.

You may be certain you are seeing Tundra Swans. The all white feathers of Tundra Swans include a body warming, impervious layer of down making Swan life near the Arctic Circle livable. Arctic summers range in temperature from 37 to 54°. Down is not optional. While you may first believe their all-white plumage is that of the larger Trumpeter Swan, the call of the Tundra is totally reliable. There is no other bird call like it. Hearing their wild, mysterious calls in early spring is clear evidence. Call me strange, the call of the Tundra Swan brings tears to my eyes.

Tundra Swan Call

Look carefully at the wing positions of this small flock…take in the beauty of flight.

Tundra Swans are not small. They are substantial birds. There is undeniable power in them. Though not as large as their look alike Trumpeter Swan, adult Tundra Swans can weigh up to 23 pounds which clearly explains why they have a 5 and ½ foot wingspan. Wings that size can catch a lot of air, with a tail wind Tundra Swans have been clocked at speeds between 50 and 60 miles per hour.

That’s up to a mile per minute on constantly dependable feathers.

There is certainty in their diet. Tundra Swans are largely herbivores, eating aquatic plants while on the nesting grounds. In migration, they can switch to a diet of corn and soybeans left after harvest. The eastern flock (which the birds in the photos are a part of) winters in the Chesapeake Bay area along the Atlantic coast where they compete with other birds for clams. We can be certain of their migration pattern. From the central Atlantic east coast Tundra Swans fly along the southern parts of the Great Lakes. The Eastern flock makes its northward turn in West Central Minnesota…every season.

Tundra Swans are guaranteed magnificent birds. Magnificent in shape, in color, and in the wild nature of their call. It is hard for me to choose a favorite bird. But the Tundra Swan is near the top of my list. If blessed, my eyes get to view them two times in a year. Both during migration…spring and fall.

Tundra Swans are a clear testimony to their Creator. Beauty, wildness and glorious mystery are found in these birds. The physical structure, the haunting call, and unfailing migration pattern could not have been organized randomly. They were undeniably created by God. He orders their flight spring and fall. He even directs the molting of their feathers.

They do an immense amount of flying.

These birds flew northward with a vast flock of Snow Geese at 6:30 PM. Did they fly all night?

You may have never seen a Tundra Swan. They exist. God is invisible. We cannot see Him. He exists. He never leaves or rejects us. Tundra Swans are wild and mysterious. God is mysterious. But we can know Him. I look for Tundra Swans spring and fall. Seeing a flock is never disappointing. Their predictable appearance twice each season is one more verification of God’s certain power and divine nature. The awesome power of God created stunning creatures in the Tundra Swans. Surely, certainly, undeniably, His strength will protect us, there is no need for fear. In these days as in the past,

God is our salvation…this is certain, undeniable and guaranteed.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12: 12

Certain, Undeniable, Guaranteed