Consider this unique opportunity
to capture these beautiful creatures.
One of my favorite winter shooting locations is the Mississippi River in the town of Monticello, MN. Thousands of Trumpeter Swans gather here each winter season to shelter in the power-plant warmed waters.
For those of you who don’t know the recent events surrounding the shooting park here is a condensed recap. Sheila Lawrence was known as the Swan Lady of Monticello. She has fed the swan for many years from her home adjacent to the small park where the photographers congregate to take photographs of this majestic bird. Sadly, Sheila passed away in the spring. Her husband, Jim is feeding the birds this season and perhaps beyond. Indications are that this may be a banner year for swans with a dense population of birds expected around January 1st.
In addition to the small park there is a second shooting area at the house on the other side of the park from the Lawrence home. The owner, Rich Thurman, has built a small deck in his backyard that offers much clearer views of the swans being closer to the river and not partially obscured by trees. Rich charges 10.00/hour for access and it is well worth the price for the proximity and clear view. It is a great place to get fly-by shots and close up portraits. Rich requires you sign an insurance waiver before proceeding onto the property. All profit go towards helping to pay for feed for the swans.
As you can see in this Google Map screen capture, there are a lot of swans hanging along the river. It is a great photo op and well worth the cold feet!
Contact information for the deck:
Rich Thurman
201 Mississippi Drive
Monticello, MN 55362
Additional Swan Information
Rikk Flohr © 2011
That’s a super swan shot.
Thanks for the info, Rikk. I used to live in Minnesota and this would make a great trip back.